Books for Children on Death and Dying

Death is a hard topic to talk about yet a really important one. Whether your child is dealing with the death of a family pet, a grandparent or family member, a friend, neighbor, teacher; here are some wonderful books to share together that talk about the process of death. These books also have answers to questions that your children might have. The books with ** are my favorites. 

Books for Children on Death and Dying

** Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie & Robert Ingpen

This is my favorite book to use with children ages 4 and up that explains death in a caring and beautiful way. It shows us through illustrations that dying is as much a part of living as being born. Ages 4 and up

The Goodbye Boat by Mary Joslin

This book describes death through pictures and words and about saying goodbye. Ages 4 and up

When Dinosaurs Die by Laurene Brown

This isn’t a story about death but actually deals with chidlren’s fears of death by answering basic questions. Ages 5-8

I Miss You: A first look at Death by Pat Thomas

Written by a psychotherapist and counselor this books helps children deal with understanding death. Ages 4 and up

Where are you? A Child’s book about loss by Lauren Olivieri

Ages 5 and up

Why do People Die? Helping your child understand with love and Understanding by Cynthia MacGregor

This book is a great comfort to children and adults and answers the questions that are often asked when someone dies. A straightforward book for ages 7 and up.

I had a friend named Peter: Talking to children about the death of a friend by Janice Cohn

When Betsy learns about the death of a friend she begins to learn about dying, funerals and the burial process. Ages 5 and up

When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers

A Mr. Rodgers book about coping with the death of a pet. Ages 5 and up

**My Pet Died by Rachel Biale

A wonderful ‘let’s make a book together that you can do with your child when dealing with a pet loss. 

Some great pictures books to share with your child with death as a main theme are: 

**The Tenth Good Thing about Barney by Judith Viorst

**Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinee Demas

The Accident by Carol Carrick

**I remember Miss Perry by Pat Brisson (dealing with the death of a teacher)

Jim’s dog Muffins by Miriam Cohen

Ada’s pal by George Ella Lyon

**Sammy in the Sky by Barbara Walsh

**Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley

**Harry and Hooper by Margaret Wild