The Books with an asterick [*] are available from the BC Children's Hospital Family Resource Library. Please call 604.875.2345, x.7644, to borrow these books.
Public libraries or local Hospice Societies may have some of the books on our lists. You may also find some at www.banyen.com or www.odinbooks.ca or www.wpspublish.com or www.robertspress.ca.
The library also provides internet searches for families, materials on normal growth and development, and referrals to support groups. Books not available through the Family Resource Library can be purchased at most major book stores or through the links on this site.

Books for Grieving Kids

A Bunch of Balloons *
Dorothy Ferguson
Grieving children learn to talk about what they have lost and to see what is good in life when someone they love has died. Ages 6-10 years.

A Scrapbook of Memories *
Dr. Earl Grollman
A workbook for kids to help them learn about their own grief and the grief of others. Activities to help talk about death. Ages 6-10 years.

Children Facing Grief: Letters from Bereaved Brothers and Sisters *
Janis L. Romond
This book has letters written by children telling about what happened when a brother or sister died.

I Know I Made it Happen: A Gentle Book about Feeling Guilty *
Lynn Blackburn
The author suggests ways to help children who may feel that they have caused the death or illness or loss. Ages 4-11 years.

Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids
Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt
100 practical ideas on healing in grief.

Lost and Found *
Ellen Yeomans
A preschool girl tells about her confusing thoughts and feelings after the death of her sister and the number of ways she continues to feel her sister's love.

Love, Mark *
Mark Scrivani
A young boy describes his feelings when someone he loves dies.

Molly's Rosebush *
Janice Cohn
Story about a young girl whose mother has a miscarriage and how the family deals with the loss. A beautiful book to help children move through their grief. Illustrated.

Our Baby Died. Why? *
Jake Erling
This booklet is a journal and workbook by 7 year old Jake. It tells about the pregnancy and stillbirth of his brother, Jesse. He shares his grief experience and tells of the subsequent birth of twins in the family.

Straight from the Siblings: Another look at the rainbow *
Gloria Murray and G.G. Jampolsky
The reactions of brothers and sisters to the life-limiting illness of their sibling are described in their own words. They talk of their fears, guilt and jealousies. They offer thoughts for getting on with life. Ages 8 and up.

The Baby Project *
Sarah Ellis
A story of the excitement around the arrival of a new baby, the growing attachment to her and the sadness of her sudden death, from the viewpoint of her 11 year old sister. Ages 8-12 years.

The Classroom in Room 44 Ð When a Classmate Dies *
Lynn Blackburn
This book shares feelings and emotions on the death of a classmate and the positive influence of the caring teacher who recognizes that feelings are as important as facts. Ages 6-10 years

The Magic Moth *
Virginia Lee
This is the story of the death of a 10 year old, the middle one of 5 children and the impact of her death on the family, in particular, on her 6 year old brother. Ages 6 years and up.

When Grandpa Died *
Margaret Stevens
A picture book story in which a little girl tries to come to terms with the death of her grandfather. Ages 3-8 years.

When I Die, will I Get Better? *
Joeri Breebaart
A six-year old boy tries to come to terms with the death of his younger brother by creating a story about rabbit brothers that closely parallels his own experience.

Where's Jess? *
Joy Johnson
A wonderful story book for pre-schoolers about the death of a sibling. Introduces, very subtly, all the concerns a very young child might have. Ages 2-6 years.

When Dinosaurs Die
Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
A multicultural look at dying and the customs.

Return to top