Gentle Stories for Hard Times: Picture Books About Grief and LossLike this list

24 items

• The Bear-shaped Hole

  Dougherty, John,

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  This gently reassuring and poignant book explores grief through a loving friendship between Gerda and Orlo, as they prepare for Orlo’s illness and impending loss. The tone is warm and tender, acknowledging emotions like anger and sorrow while…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Love Stays Strong

  Schneider, Paula,

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  When life circumstances change and a loved one's health is impacted, the love between family members continues to grow and provide strength.

• The Circles in the Sky

  Mountford, Karl James,

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  Gentle and reflective; emphasizes kindness, change, and the circle of life.

• Memory Stones

  Kacer, Kathy, 1954-

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  In this quietly reflective tale, Sophie mourns her beloved grandmother and learns a meaningful tradition of placing stones on graves to honor lasting memories. The tone is gentle and nurturing, blending loss with empowerment and reassuring children…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• I Wish I Could Tell You

  Sénéchal, Jean-François, 1976-

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  Tender and empathetic; gives space for unspoken feelings after loss.

• I'll Say Goodbye

  Zollman, Pam,

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  Narrated through a child's eyes, this softly soulful story follows beach days with Uncle Mike and the discovery of Herman the hermit crab as a metaphor for farewells. The tone is sensitive and lyrical, honouring grief and confusion without…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Cape

  Johnson, Kevin,

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  Quiet and uplifting; about friendship, loss, and carrying someone's spirit forward.

• Angus Is Here

  Dyer, Hadley,

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  Angus is Here is a tender and reassuring picture book that helps children understand love, loss, and memory. With gentle words and warm illustrations, it offers comfort and connection, making it a meaningful read for families navigating grief…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Making Happy

  Sheth, Sheetal, 1976-

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  Gentle and hopeful; shows how love and joy can exist alongside illness.

• How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear?

  Bayer, Vanessa, 1981-

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  Offers straightforward advice blended with warmth, encouraging small gesetures that show big heart.

• Willow

  Sophia, Elisabeth,

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  This book really resonates with some children about their parent being sick but still being strong.

• The Hare-shaped Hole

  Dougherty, John,

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  Poetic and gentle; explores grief and the journey toward healing.

• The Invisible String

  Karst, Patrice,

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  A warm, comforting reminder that love connects us to the people we care about, no matter the distance or circumstance. The tone is gentle and reassuring.

• Cancer Hates Kisses

  Sliwerski, Jessica Reid,

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  Upbeat and empowering; frames a parent's illness in kid-friendly, positive language.

• Life Is Like the Wind

  Innes, Shona,

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  Poetic and reflective; explores death as part of nature's cycle.

• The Scar

  Moundlic, Charlotte

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  Honest and emotionally powerful; acknowledges the intense feelings of grief.

• I Have a Question About Cancer

  Clear Answers for All Kids, Including Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder or Other Special Needs

  Gaines, Arlen Grad,

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  Offers clear information blended with warmth, empowering children with understanding while honouring their need for emotional safety.

• The Memory Tree

  Teckentrup, Britta,

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  Warm and symbolic; a forest community celebrates a friend's life through shared memories.

• The Tiny Star

  Fox, Mem, 1946-

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  Tender and lyrical; celebrates the beauty and impermanence of life.

• Ida, Always

  Levis, Caron,

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  The tone of the book is tender, calm, and compassionate. It handles the difficult topic of loss with sensitivity and grace, offering comfort without avoiding the emotional weight. The tone reassures readers that while loved ones may leave, the love…Read moreRead more of this annotation