Always By My Side. Susan Kerner, illustrated by Ian Benfold Haywood, $10.95

Always By My Side is a comforting, rhyming story written to help children understand that a dad?s love is forever. Even if they grow up without his presence in their lives. This gentle, beautifully illustrated book conveys the heart-warming message to children that even though their father is not in their lives, he is still part of them. They will realize that they are like him in character, looks and actions; that his spirit surrounds them and inspires them in their daily activities.

And Still They Bloom: a Family’s Journey of Loss and Healing. Amy Rovere, $16.95 (ages 8-13)

Ten-year-old Emily and seven-year-old Ben must deal with the loss of their mother to cancer. Guided by conversations with their father, they embark on a journey of grief and healing, each searching for a path to acceptance. Along the way, both children realize that their mother will always be with them in their hearts. Using nature as a backdrop for the cycles of life, this moving story emphasizes hope and healing and will connect with all readers who have lost a loved one.

Aunt Fanny's Star. Brigitte Weninger, illustrated by Feridun Oral, $24.99

When Aunt Fanny becomes too ill to look after herself, Mama Bunny decides to move her in with her family. This means big changes at the Bunny house, of course, but it also means fun and discovery for the three young bunnies as they get to learn all about their funny aunt.  She shows them that there is always comfort and consolation in the twinkling stars overhead. This touching, gentle picture book helps children navigate the difficult issues of dealing with the death of a loved one. It shares in simple terms the truth that death affects us all, and that life goes on as surely as there are stars twinkling in the sky.

Badger's Parting Gifts. Susan Varley, $11.95 (ages 4-8)

Badger's friends are sad when he dies but treasure the memories he left them.

Ben's Flying Flowers. Inger Maier, illustrated by Maria Bogade, $11.95

"I'm never drawing happy pictures again."  Day after day Emily draws pictures of dark clouds with rain, and houses with tiny windows and doors. She misses Ben so much.

When Emily loses her brother after a long illness, she feels alone, angry, and very, very sad. With the understanding and support of her parents, Emily learns that it helps when she snuggles with her parents. It helps when she talks about her feelings and asks questions about Ben. And it helps when she does regular kid stuff, too. But mostly, she learns that remembering Ben and their happy life together builds healthy and helpful images that soothe her sad feelings and provide much comfort to her and her family.

Black Jack Jetty: a Boy’s Journey Through Grief. Michael Carestio, $13.50 (ages 8-13)

Ever since his soldier father is killed in Afghanistan, Jack has been frightened. And he worries. He worries all the time. But when Jack joins his treasure hunting cousins one summer at the seashore, he discovers the healing powers of family and nature.

The Boat Star. Juliette Ttofa, illustrated by Julia Gallego, $20.90

The Boat Star is a therapeutic story about dealing with a painful loss and taking comfort in good memories. In this poignant story, a boy loses a special feather and goes on a magical journey to try to recover it. Although he doesn’t find his feather, he is comforted by the memory of the feather and realises he will feel better over time.

This beautifully illustrated storybook will appeal to all children, and can be used by practitioners, educators and parents as a tool to discuss bereavement and coming to terms with feelings of loss with children.

Bug in a Vacuum. Mélanie Watt, $24.99

A bug flies through an open door into a house, through a bathroom, across a kitchen and bedroom and into a living room... where its entire life changes with the switch of a button. Sucked into the void of a vacuum bag, this one little bug moves through denial, bargaining, anger, despair and eventually acceptance — the five stages of grief — as it comes to terms with its fate. Will there be a light at the end of the tunnel? Will there be dust bunnies in the void? A funny, suspenseful and poignant look at the travails of a bug trapped in a vacuum.

Cat Heaven. Cynthia Rylant, $19.95

If you have ever been lucky enough to have a special cat in your life, then you know there is a place called Cat Heaven.

Charlotte's Web. E.B. White, $9.75 (ages 6-10)

E. B. White's classic tale is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Cry, Heart, But Never Break. Glenn Ringtved, illustrated by Charlotte Pardi, $24.95

Aware their grandmother is gravely ill, four siblings make a pact to keep death from taking her away. But Death does arrive all the same, as it must. He comes gently, naturally. And he comes with enough time to share a story with the children that helps them to realize the value of loss to life and the importance of being able to say goodbye.

The Dead Bird. Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Christian Robinson, $21.99

One day, some children find a bird lying on its side with its eyes closed and no heartbeat. They are very sorry, so they decide to say good-bye. In the park, they dig a hole for the bird and cover it with warm sweet-ferns and flowers. Finally, they sing sweet songs to send the little bird on its way.

This heartwarming classic picture book by beloved children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown is beautifully re-illustrated for a contemporary audience by the critically acclaimed, award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson.

Death Is Stupid. Anastasia Higginbotham, $24.95 (ages 5-8)

"She's in a better place now," adults say again and again. But mortality doesn't seem better, it seems stupid. This forthright exploration of grief and mourning recognizes the anger, confusion, and fear that we feel about death. Necessary, beautiful, and ultimately reassuring, Death Is Stupid is an invaluable tool for discussing death, but also the possibilities for celebrating life and love.

Dog Heaven. Cynthia Rylant, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

A warm, whimsical picture book about the wonderful place where all good dogs go for an endless supply of ham biscuits, good meals and lots of petting.

The Elephant in the Room: a Children's Book for Grief and Loss. Amanda Edwards & Leslie Ponciano, $16.95 (ages 4-8)

A gentle book to help children manage their feelings of grief and loss.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf. Leo Buscaglia, $19.95 (ages 3-6)

The wonderfully wise and strikingly simple story of a leaf named Freddie has become one of the most popular books of our times. How Freddie and his companion leaves change with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with a winter's snow, is an inspiring allegory illustrating the delicate balance between life and death.

Following Grandfather. Rosemary Wells, Illustrator: Christopher Denise, $18.00

Jenny is as close to her grandfather as a small mouse can be. Grandfather shows Jenny how to button her buttons and how to write her name. He passes along to her the secrets of making the best lasagna in all of Boston. And during long, shared days at Revere Beach, Grandfather teaches Jenny the names of the seashells they find washed up on shore. When Grandfather is all of a sudden gone one day, the hole he leaves behind is too great for Jenny to fathom. Isn’t that him turning a corner, sitting on a bench, heading for the pier, walking along their beloved beach?

The Forever Dog. Bill Cochran, illustrated by Dan Andreasen, $19.50 (ages 4-8)

A heartfelt story for anyone coping with the loss of a pet.

The Funeral. Matt James, $18.99 (ages 4-7)

Norma and her parents are going to her great-uncle Frank’s funeral, and Norma is more excited than sad. She is looking forward to playing with her favorite cousin, Ray, but when she arrives at the church, she is confronted with rituals and ideas that have never occurred to her before. While not all questions can be answered, when the day is over Norma is certain of one thing — Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his funeral.

This sensitive and life-affirming story will lead young readers to ask their own questions about life, death and how we remember those who have gone before us.

Gentle Willow: a Story for Children About Dying, 2nd Edition. Joyce Mills, $14.95 (ages 4-8)

Amanda and Little Tree discover that their friend Gentle Willow isn't feeling well. Amanda summons the Tree Wizards, who visit Gentle Willow and determine that they can't fix her. Amanda is angry at first, but eventually she listens to the Tree Wizards as they explain that death is a transformation and journey into the unknown. They also counsel Amanda that the medicine she can give Gentle Willow is love. In a final act of love, Amanda comforts Gentle Willow, who is afraid, with a story about the caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly. A new "Note to Parents" addresses how to cope with death and dying.

The Goodbye Book. Todd Parr, $23.49

Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost his companion, Todd Parr tells a moving and wholly accessible story about saying goodbye. Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it's okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them. An invaluable resource for life's toughest moments.

Goodbye, Brecken: a Story about the Death of a Pet. David Lupton, $16.50 (ages 4-8)

Isabelle and her dog Brecken were always together, playing and snuggling. They were even born on the same day! When Brecken dies, Isabelle feels angry, sad, and lonely. Isabelle dreams she goes on a journey through the woods to find him. When she wakes, she is able to accept that her memories of Brecken will never go away. Brecken will always be close in her heart.

A Note to Parents offers more information on helping children cope with the death of a pet. Creative activities are also included to help kids reflect on and understand their feelings.

Good-bye, Fish. Judith Koppens & Eline van Lindenhuizen, $18.95

A gentle first story about loss, grief, and hope for children ages 30 months and up.

Goodbye Mousie. Robie Harris, illustrated by Jan Ormerod, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

One morning a boy finds that his pet, Mousie, won't wake up. The truth is Mousie has died. At first the boy doesn't believe it. He gets very mad at Mousie for dying, and then he feels very sad. But talking about Mousie, burying Mousie in a special box, and saying good-bye helps this boy begin to feel better about the loss of his beloved pet.

Good-bye Sheepie. Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Peter Catalanotto, $20.95

Owen and his dog Sheepie are best friends, but Sheepie is getting old and can’t run and play like he used to. Then one day, Sheepie doesn’t wake up. Owen has to say good-bye to his old friend, but his father helps him to understand that Sheepie will always be a part of his memories.

The Grief Bubble. Kerry DeBay, $18.50 (ages 6-12)

The Grief Bubble is a special workbook for children ages 6 and older who have experienced the death of someone special. The interactive format invites children to find expression for their thoughts and feelings, encouraging the exploration of their grief with the support of caring adults.

Grief Is Like a Snowflake. Julia Cook, illustrated by Anita DuFalla, $14.50

After the death of his father, Little Tree begins to learn how to cope with his feelings and start the healing process. With the help and support of his family and friends, Little Tree learns to cope by discovering what is really important in life, and that his father's memory will carry on. In this book, a lovable cast of trees, offers a warm approach to the difficult subject of death and dying.

Harry & Hopper. Margaret Wild, illustrated by Freya Blackwood, $19.99

A gentle story about losing a beloved pet.

Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids: 100 Practical Ideas. Alan Wolfelt, $17.95 (ages 6-12)

With sensitivity and insight, this series offers suggestions for healing activities that can help children learn to express their grief and mourn naturally.

Henry and Harriet: a Hopeful Story that Validates the Feelings of Children When Someone Dies. H.C. MacArthur, illustrated by Anna Koot, $14.25 (ages 4-9)

A sweet, simple story that acknowledges the feelings of loss and confusion when someone special dies.

I Have a Question about Death: a Book for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Other Special Needs. Arlen Grad Gaines & Meredith Englander Polsky, $19.95

Death is a difficult topic for any parent or educator to explain to a child, perhaps even more so when the child has Autism Spectrum Disorder or other Special Needs. This book is designed specifically to help children with these additional needs to understand what happens when someone dies.

The first book of its kind, I Have a Question about Death uses straightforward text and images to walk children through what it means when someone dies, as well as ways they might want to react or to think about the person. Using clear illustrations throughout and with information for parents and guardians, this book is essential for families with a child aged 5-11 with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other special needs.

I Miss My Pet: a First Look at When a Pet Dies. Pat Thomas, $8.99

This reassuring picture book explores the issue of the death of a pet in a simple yet realistic way.

I Miss You: a First Look at Death. Pat Thomas, $7.50 (ages 4-7)

This book helps young children understand that death is natural, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one's death. 

Ida, Always. Caron Levis & Charles Santoso, $23.99 (ages 4-8)

Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn’t going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him — through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favorite spots. 

Ida, Always is an exquisitely told story of two best friends — inspired by a real bear friendship — and a gentle, moving, needed reminder that loved ones lost will stay in our hearts, always.

Is Daddy Coming Back In a Minute? Explaining (Sudden) Death in Words Very Young Children Can Understand. Elke and Alex Barber, $19.95

When we were on a No Girls Allowed! holiday, my daddy's heart stopped beating and I had to find help all by myself. He was very badly broken. Not even the ambulance people could help him...

This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help explain the concept of death to children aged 3+. Written in Alex's own words, it is based on the real-life conversations that Elke Barber had with her then three-year-old son, Alex, after the sudden death of his father. The book provides reassurance and understanding to readers through clear and honest answers to the difficult questions that can follow the death of a loved one, and carries the invaluable message that it is okay to be sad, but it is okay to be happy, too.

Jim's Dog, Muffins. Miriam Cohen, illustrated by Ronald Himler, $22.95

When Jim returns to school after his dog, Muffins, dies, his friends try to comfort him. But instead of playing with his friends, he sits sadly, thinking of his beloved dog. Paul knows how to cheer up his friend, and through tears of joy and sadness, Jim finally opens up and shares memories of Muffins. 

Kate, the Ghost Dog: Coping with the Death of a Pet. Wayne Wilson, $11.50 (ages 8-13)

How would you feel if you just lost a big part of your life, someone very special to you?

Kayak Girl. Monica Devine, illustrated by Mindy Dwyer, $15.50

A young girl learns to cope with loss with the help of her grandfather, and memories of her mother.

The Kid's Book about Death: Helping Children to Understand Death, Grief, and Loss. James Carrie, $14.95 (ages 8-12)

A straightforward, compassionate guide to death and dying for school-age children.

The Last Invisible Boy. Evan Kuhlman, illustrated by J.P. Coovert, $7.99 (ages 10 and up, about the death of a father)

“I don't want to give anything away, so I'll tell you what you could probably guess from looking at the cover and flipping through the book … It's about an invisible boy. Obviously. That's me. Actually, I'm not totally invisible. Yet. But I'm getting there …

That's all I'm going to tell you. All the stuff about my dad and my mom and my brother Derek and my friend Meli and whether or not I actually turn invisible or become completely visible again or figure out how to use my invisibility for the good of all mankind or just disappear altogether, you're going to have to read to find out. So, let's get started. Just remember: This is my story, and anything can happen.”

Letters to Leo. Amy Hest, illustrated by Julia Denos, $8.00

Annie Rossi never, ever thought her father would let her have a dog. But now that he’s finally given in, she’s found the perfect ear for the stories of her day. She just writes them in a notebook hidden under the bed and reads them to Leo in her soft night voice, like the one her mother used when reading to Annie at bedtime before she died. And Annie sure has a million stories to tell! There’s mean Edward, who brags about his “noble goldfish” and gets her in trouble for accidentally lobbing a volleyball into his nose. There’s her best friend, Jean-Marie, who ups and moves to New Jersey (and wants to borrow Leo for company!). There’s the poem Annie writes about her mom, which Miss Meadows asks her to read for the class. And there’s her professor dad, who is finally coming out of his shell, even though he is an elderly forty-year-old with a serious personality. Genuine and funny, Amy Hest’s first-person narration revisits a winning young character as she takes on a new year — and a new dog — with humor, honesty, and resiliency.

Life and I: a Story about Death. Elizabeth Helland Larsen & Marine Schneider, $29.50

This sensitively-told story for readers of all ages illustrates the inseparability of life and death.

Life is Like the Wind. Shona Innes & Írisz Agócs, $12.50 (ages 4–7) 

Life is Like the Wind introduces the concept of death to young readers by likening life to the ever-moving wind. When the wind is present, things move and fly and flutter about. When the wind goes away, things become very still. From there, the authors explore the feelings we have when a loved one’s life goes away, how we cope with missing them, and how we can celebrate their memory. It also introduces the various things people believe happens to a life that has moved on. Endearing illustrations of animals enjoying, missing, comforting, and honoring one another do a wonderful job of conveying the message that although life is very precious, “when it is time for the life to leave, it will go.”

Lifetimes: the Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children. Mellonie & Ingpen, $20.00 (ages 3-6)

Lifetimes is a moving book for children of all ages, even parents too. It lets us explain life and death in a sensitive, caring, beautiful way. Lifetimes tells us about beginnings. And about endings. And about living in between. With large, wonderful illustrations, it tells about plants. About animals. About people. It tells that dying is as much a part of living as being born. It helps us to remember. It helps us to understand.

Lighthouse: a Story of Remembrance. Robert Munsch, illustrations by Janet Wilson, $7.99

Young Sarah can't sleep so she wakes up her dad in the middle of the night. He agrees to take her where Grandpa used to take him as a boy — to the lighthouse. On the way there, Sarah and her dad drink coffee and eat donuts — just as Grandpa would have liked. When they climb up to the top of the lighthouse, Sarah throws a flower out to sea in her grandpa's memory. A heart-warming, tender story about honouring those who have passed and keeping their memory alive.

Luna's Red Hat: an Illustrated Storybook to Help Children with Loss and Suicide. Emmi Smid, $20.95

It is a beautiful spring day, and Luna is having a picnic in the park with her family, wearing her Mum's red hat. Luna's Mum died one year ago and she still finds it difficult to understand why. She feels that it may have been her fault and worries that her Dad might leave her in the same way. Her Dad talks to her to explain what happened and together they think about all the happy memories they have of Mum.

Charmingly illustrated, this storybook is designed to be read with children aged 6+ who have been bereaved by suicide, to help them cope with their difficult feelings. The book also includes a guide for parents and professionals by grief expert, Dr. Riet Fiddelaers-Jaspers.

The Memory String. Eve Bunting, $8.99

Each button on Laura’s memory string represents a piece of her family history. The buttons Laura cherishes the most belonged to her mother — a button from her prom dress, a white one off her wedding dress, and a single small button from the nightgown she was wearing on the day she died. When the string breaks, Laura’s new stepmother, Jane, is there to comfort Laura and search for a missing button, just as Laura’s mother would have done. But it’s not the same — Jane isn’t Mom. In Eve Bunting’s moving story, beautifully illustrated by Ted Rand, Laura discovers that a memory string is not just for remembering the past: it’s also for recording new memories.

The Memory Tree. Britta Teckentrup, $10.99

Fox had lived a long and happy life, but now he was tired. He looked at his beloved forest one last time, closed his eyes, and fell asleep forever...

This sweet book is a celebration of life and the memories that live on when a loved one dies.

Missing Mummy: a Book about Bereavement. Rebecca Cobb, $11.99 (ages 2-7)

Beautifully illustrated, this is a touching and honest book about losing a parent.

A New Day: a Story about Losing Someone You Love. Fiona McDonald, $22.50

Brown Mouse is too sad to get out of bed and the other mice can do nothing to make her feel better. Grey Mouse has died which has made all the mice sad. Grey Mouse was kind and sweet and made perfect tea. Brown Mouse needs some time and space to remember her. That night Brown Mouse wakes up and sits with the other mice drinking hot tea and sharing special memories of Grey Mouse. Brown Mouse's memories of Grey Mouse make her smile, and as the sun rises, Brown Mouse feels ready for a new day.

This gentle and comforting illustrated book will help children and young adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) grasp the difficult concept that is the death of a loved one. Featuring appealing black and white artwork and strong characters, Brown Mouse's story will assist parents, family and carers in giving children and those with PMLD a safe way to process loss and bereavement.

One Wave At a Time: a Story about Grief and Healing. Holly Thompson, illustrated by Ashley Crowley, $22.99 (ages 5-7)

After his father dies, Kai experiences all kinds of emotions: sadness, anger, fear, guilt. Sometimes they crash and mix together. Other times, there are no emotions at all — just flatness. As Kai and his family adjust to life without Dad, the waves still roll in. But with the help of friends and one another, they learn to cope — and, eventually, heal. A lyrical story about grieving for anyone encountering loss.

Playing with the Angels: Stories of Possibilities for Grieving Children. K. Jane George & Mattie Zelinski, $19.99 (ages 4-10)

A gentle series of short stories about children who have lost a loved one; inspired by real kids and their experiences.

The Rabbit Listened. Cori Doerrfeld, $23.99

When something terrible happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to process this loss, and one by one they fail. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen, which is just what Taylor needs.

Whether read in the wake of tragedy or as a primer for comforting others, this is a deeply moving and unforgettable story sure to soothe heartache of all sizes.

Rafa Was My Robot. Alexandra Dellevoet, Art by Ken Turner, $9.95 (ages 4-9) 

Rafa the robot goes everywhere with Jacob — to swim lessons, to school, and even on trips to far-off places. One day, Rafa doesn’t feel well, so Jacob takes him to the doctor. When the doctor explains that Rafa’s special robot battery needs replacing, Jacob travels the world to find the right one. Sadly, he comes back empty-handed, and one day soon after, as Jacob holds Rafa’s hand, his robot friend dies. Jacob is heartbroken, but he creates a memorial that helps him honor Rafa so that he is always close by.

This quietly moving picture book will help young children through the difficult process of losing someone or something they love. Without diminishing the pain of losing a loved one, Rafa Was My Robot conveys a comforting message that by keeping them in your heart, they are never far away.

Rafi's Red Racing Car: Explaining Suicide and Grief to Young Children. Louise Mohr, $25.95 (ages 3-8)

This beautiful, sensitively composed storybook is a valuable resource for both children affected by a family member's suicide and their carers. Through a creative, heart-warming tale about a young grieving rabbit named Rafi, it gently explains the truth about death and suicide while communicating that everything will eventually be okay again.

Remembering Crystal. Sebastian Loth, $16.50 (ages 4-8)

Zelda and Crystal were the best of friends. Crystal was growing old and Zelda was just starting out in life. Together they shared adventures, secrets, laughs and dreams. But one day Crystal is gone and Zelda learns that true friendship is a gift that lasts forever.

Remembering Lucy. Sarah Helton, illustrated by Anna Novy, $25.95

Joe and his friends miss Lucy very much. When she died and they learned they wouldn't see Lucy again they were all very sad. But Joe has a plan: he can remember the happy times he shared with Lucy! He thinks about all the wonderful things Lucy did. How messy she was when she was painting, and the time she giggled through the school play when her crown kept slipping off. Now Joe knows that remembering Lucy means he doesn't have to feel so sad!

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) often experience grief at a much younger age than other children. This touching short story will help children with SEND aged 3+ understand feelings caused by death and loss, and the beautiful hand drawn illustrations help convey the complex experience of bereavement in a simple and clear way. Included is a teacher's guide to talking about bereavement, grief and loss, making this the ideal aid for teachers and support staff at SEND schools and colleges.

Sad Isn’t Bad: a Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss. Michaelene Mundy, $9.50 (ages 3-6)

Loaded with positive, life-affirming advice for coping with loss as a child, this guide tells children what they need to know after a loss--that the world is still safe; life is good; and hurting hearts do mend.

Samantha Jane’s Missing Smile: a Story About Coping with the Loss of a Parent. J. Kaplow & D. Pincus, $14.95 (ages 4-8)

The story of a young girl whose father has recently died, which deals with the full range of emotions, questions, and worries that children have when a parent has died. Offers ways to remember and honor the lost parent, encourages the open sharing of feel.

Sammy in the Sky. Barbara Walsh, illustrated by Jamie Wyeth, $19.00 (ages 4-7)

Sammy, the best hound dog in the whole wide world, loves his girl and she loves him. When illness cuts Sammy's life short, the girl's family keeps his spirit alive by celebrating his love of chasing wind-blown bubbles, keeping loyal guard at night, and offering his velvety fur for endless pats and tummy scratches. A deeply affecting tale of love, loss, and remembrance, told in clear-eyed prose and illustrated with lovingly beautiful paintings.

Samsara Dog. Helen Manos, illustrated by Julie Vivas, $20.50

Samsara Dog lived many lives. Some of his lives were long; some lasted only a few days. He lived each life as it came, until he learned the most important message of all.

Based on Buddhist concepts, this moving story about love and life, death and dying, will touch every reader.

Saying Goodbye to Your Pet: Children Can Learn to Cope with Pet Loss. Marge Heegaard, $11.95 (ages 5-12)

An art therapy book for children coping with the loss of a pet.

A Sky of Diamonds: a Story for Children about Loss, Grief and Hope. Camille Gibb, $19.95

An illustrated storybook about a girl named Mia who has experienced the death of her mother. Covering all stages of grief, it is perfect for reading with bereaved children aged 5-9 as a way to help them overcome their difficult feelings. It includes in-built strategies for coping with grief and answers many questions that children have about death.

Something Very Sad Happened: a Toddler's Guide to Understanding Death. Bonnie Zucker, illustrated by Kim Fleming, $22.50 (ages 2-3)

When a loved one dies, it can be hard to know how to explain it to a young child, particularly if you are grieving the loss yourself. Sensitively written and gently illustrated, Something Very Sad Happened explains death in developmentally appropriate terms for two- and three-year-old children. It reassures the child that it is okay to feel sad, and that love never dies.

Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information about how to talk about death, answer your child's questions, and maintain your connection throughout the grieving process.

Sonya's Chickens. Phoebe Wahl, $10.99

Sonya raises her three chickens from the time they are tiny chicks. She feeds them, shelters them and loves them. Everywhere Sonya goes, her chicks are peeping at her heels. Under her care, the chicks grow into hens and even give Sonya a wonderful gift: an egg! One night, Sonya hears noises coming from the chicken coop and discovers that one of her hens has disappeared. Where did the hen go? What happened to her? When Sonya discovers the answers, she learns some important truths about the interconnectedness of nature and the true joys and sorrows of caring for another creature.

Stewart's Tree: a Book for Brothers and Sisters When a Baby Dies Shortly After Birth. Cathy Campbell, $19.95 (ages 3+)

Ellen's new baby brother Stewart has been 'lost'. Ellen looks in all the cupboards for Stewart, and even in the washing machine — then her family help her understand that Stewart has died and isn't going to come back. Together they plant a tree for Stewart, so they will always have a place to remember him.

A therapeutic children's book for explaining sibling loss to young children, colourfully illustrated to emphasise focusing on the happy memories of a lost child. The book ends with a guide to bereavement for children written by qualified clinicians.

Stones for Grandpa. Renee Londner, Illustrator Martha Aviles, $10.95 (ages 5-9)

A little boy and his family gather at the cemetery for the unveiling of his beloved grandpa’s gravestone, bringing stones to place on the grave, as is the Jewish tradition. They tell stories that help the boy deal with his loss, reminding him of the wonderful memories he has of his grandpa.

Tear Soup: a Recipe for Healing after Loss. Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen, $45.95 DVD format, 17 minutes, all ages

The ongoing process of grief is beautifully illustrated in this animated story of Grandy and her unique recipe for healing.

The Tenth Good Thing about Barney. Viorst & Blegvad, $9.99 (ages 5-9)

My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them... 

But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth, and begins to understand.

25 Things to Do… when Grandpa Passes Away… Mom and Dad Get Divorced… or the Dog Dies: Activities to Help Children Suffering Loss or Change. Laurie Kanyer, $15.95

Excellent, creative stuff… has the happy effect of occupying the adult mind also.

Waiting for the Whales. Sheryl MacFalane & Ron Lightburn, $10.95

In this timeless classic set on the West Coast, an old man lives alone on a bluff overlooking the sea, tends his garden and waits. Only when the whales return each year to the bay in front of his cottage is his loneliness eased. One day his daughter and her baby return home to live with the old man, bringing a renewed sense of purpose to his life. As his granddaughter grows, the old man passes on a wealth of knowledge and wisdom as well as his passion for the whales. And each year they wait together for the whales to appear.

Waiting for the Whales illuminates the unique friendship between grandparent and child and celebrates the restorative power of the natural world.

And What Comes After a Thousand? Anette Bley, $18.95

This quiet, gentle, heartwarming book is meant to be shared — a book first about love and intergenerational friendship, and then about loss.

What Does Dead Mean? A Book for Young Children to Help Explain Death and Dying. Caroline Jay& Jenni Thomas, $19.95

A beautifully illustrated book that guides children gently through 17 of the 'big' questions they often ask about death and dying. Questions such as 'Is being dead like sleeping?', 'Why do people have to die?' and 'Where do dead people go?' are answered simply, truthfully and clearly to help adults explain to children what happens when someone dies. Prompts encourage children to explore the concepts by talking about, drawing or painting what they think or feel about the questions and answers.

Suitable for children aged 4+, this is an ideal book for parents and carers to read with their children, as well as teachers, therapists and counsellors working with young children.

What Happened to Daddy's Body? Explaining What Happens after Death in Words Very Young Children Can Understand. Elke and Alex Barber, illustrated by Anna Jarvis, $19.95

This picture book aims to help children aged 3+ to understand what happens to the body after someone has died. Through telling the true story of what happened to his daddy's body, we follow Alex as he learns about cremation, burial and spreading ashes. Full of questions written in Alex's own words, and with the gentle, sensitive and honest answers of his mother, this story will reassure any young child who might be confused about death and what happens afterwards. It also reiterates the message that when you have experienced the loss of a loved one, it is okay to be sad, but it is okay to be happy, too.

What Happens When a Loved One Dies? Our First Talk about Death. Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Cindy Revell, $19.95

Whether children are experiencing grief and loss for the first time or simply curious, it can be difficult to know how to talk to them about death. Using questions posed in a child's voice and answers that start simply and become more in-depth, this book allows adults to guide the conversation to a natural and reassuring conclusion. Additional questions at the back of the book allow for further discussion.

What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? Trevor Romain, $12.99 (ages 6-12)

When someone dies, adults are often involved with their own loss and grief and not as available to children as they might otherwise be. This little book, full of concrete advice and expressive illustrations, offers the comfort and reassurance that children need during these difficult times. Written to and for kids, it’s also recommended for parents and other relatives, educators, counselors, and youth workers.

When Aunt Mattie Got Her Wings. Petra Mathers, $21.99

Aunt Mattie has died. But before she went, she got to say good-bye to Lottie. Then she got to follow a light to a bustling gate. (A gate that sounded a lot like a busy airport!) And there she found a crew of friends who were waiting to take off with her on a new journey.Will Lottie and Herbie be able to overcome their sadness? They will, with time, and by taking a journey of their own — a journey filled with a little heartache, a lot of happiness, and a batch of Aunt Mattie’s favorite peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches.

When Dinosaurs Die: a Guide to Understanding Death. Laurie Krasny Brown & Marc Brown, $11.99 (ages 4-8)

The authors explain in simple language the feelings people may have regarding the death of a loved one and the ways to honor the memory of someone who has died.

When Monkey Lost His Smile. Story and Tools by Dr. Stephanie Margolese, illustrated by Elaheh Bos, $19.95

Monkey feels very sad after discovering that his special tree is gone and even sadder when he realizes that his bright smile is missing too! Monkey thinks he might NEVER feel happy again. With the advice of his mother and the help of his friends, he sets off to find his smile. Through his search, he learns what makes him feel better.

The book includes a detailed tools section to help young children cope with sad feelings.

When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness. Marge Heegaard, $12.95 (ages 8-12)

An excellent resource for helping children learn the basic concepts of illness and various age-appropriate ways of coping with it.

When Someone Very Special Dies. Marge Heegaard, $12.95 (ages 8-12)

A practical, workbook format for helping children to understand the concept of death and develop coping skills for life.

The Wrong Bus. Lois Peterson, illustrated by Amy Meissner, $6.95 (ages 6-10)

When Grandpa died, Jack’s mother said eight-year-old Jack was too young to go to the hospital and say good-bye; too young to go to the funeral home and too young to go to the cemetery. Jack wishes he had the chance to tell his grandfather just how much he loves and misses him.