Death is a complicated topic and is scary to discuss not only amongst ourselves but with kids. Losing a grandparent can be easier to explain than a tragedy of someone who is still in their prime. Please see my posts on talking to your kids about death or dealing with the death of a pet.

Using books as tools to help explain this topic and ignite conversation is important for younger children. Below include a list of books I like for explaining death and grief.

The Memory Box : 

The child in the story creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of the loved one, to help in the grieving process. A parent guide in the back includes information on helping children manage the array of emotions they feel when they lose someone they love. Also included in this story are suggestions on how to create their own memory box.

When a Pet Dies :

This book helps children share feelings of the loss of a pet while offering reassurance that grieving is a natural, healing thing to do.

The Memory Tree :

A beautiful and heartfelt story about the death of a loved one and the memories that comfort those left behind. This gentle and comforting tale celebrates life and the memories that are left behind when a loved one dies.

The Invisible String :

 A story that teaches of the tie that really binds. The Invisible String reaches from heart to heart. The Invisible String delivers a particularly compelling message in today's uncertain times that though we may be separated from the ones we care for, whether through anger, or distance or even death, love is the unending connection that binds us all

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf:

An inspiring allegory that illustrates the delicate balance between life and death readers navigate death and dying, grief and bereavement, the passage of time, and loss of a loved one. The story follows Freddie and his companions as their leaves change with the passing seasons and the coming of winter, finally falling to the ground with winter's snow.

Gentle Willow

Amanda the squirrel is upset that she is going to lose her friend Gentle Willow, but the tree wizards give advice that help both her and Gentle Willow accept the change that comes with death.

The Invisible Leash

This gentle story uses the same bonding technique from the book The Invisible String to help readers through the experience of the loss of a beloved animal.