Our Favourite Books
We have all heard that there is no app to replace your lap. Reading together creates a special and cozy bond between children and their caregivers. These moments become sweet memories stored forever in the hearts of children. Here are some of our favourite books that might help during your grieving journey.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
A picture book about the unbreakable connections between loved ones. This story lets kids (and adults) feel a sense of peace and joy when realizing we are always connected to our loved ones.
The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
A story of a little girl who responds to the loss of a special person in her life by trying to shut her heart in a bottle, so it can never be hurt again. This book is perfect for kids to understand the emotions they may feel during the loss of their own special person.
Ida, Always by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso
This story follows two inseparable polar bears (Gus and Ida) that live in the Central Park Zoo and spend their time playing, splashing and listening to the sounds of the city. But, everything changes when Ida becomes terminally ill. The story explores a variety emotions like friendship, love and loss. It provides a gentle reminder that loved ones lost will stay in our hearts, always.
Grandad's Island by Benji Davies
This story follows Syd, a little boy and his Grandad on an epic adventure on an island. It gently explores the idea of losing a loved one, making it simple for young readers to understand.
When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Brown.
When Dinosaurs Die explains death, dying, and coping with grief and loss in simple and accessible language for young kids and families.
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr.
This story follows a fish who loses their friend. This colourful book touches upon the wide range of emotions during a loss, but also provide reassurance that someone will always be there to support them.
I miss you: A first look at death by Pat Thomas.
This book is great for starting those conversations with children about death, helps prompt them to talk about their feelings, and reassures them that it is normal to have feelings when someone dies.
No Matter What by Debi Gilori
This book focuses on the anxiety and feelings a child may face during the loss of a loved one, such as a parent. It helps provide a reminder to the readers that they are always loved by the person they lost, no matter what.
Grief on the Playground by Shanice McLeish
It’s a sweet story about a young girl whose father dies just before she goes back to school. Her kind teacher shares her story of losing her dad at a young age. The teacher takes Ava through the roller coaster metaphor of grief. Ava learns that her feelings are important and that she can talk to her teacher any time she needs to.
The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup
This story follows Fox and his forest friends who tell stories of the special moments that they shared. It’s a beautiful and heartfelt picture book to help children celebrate the memories left behind when a loved one dies.
When Grey Came to Stay by Amber Kuipers
When Grey comes home instead of Julie’s dad, Julie must learn to navigate all the big, unpredictable feelings loss brings. When Grey Came to Stay is the hopeful story of one girl’s journey through grief as she learns to celebrate her father in the midst of sadness.
A Stopwatch from Grampa by Loretta Garbutt
This is a touching story about a child who inherits a treasured stopwatch that belonged to a beloved grandparent. It explores the stages of grief with sensitivity and wisdom.
Something Lost Something Found by Natalia Paruzel-Gibson
This is a story about Ella, a young girl who is looking for happiness after loss. What Ella finds is a comfort and connection to her loved one, in the sweetness of her memories.