Children's Books about Death

Death is never an easy topic to discuss with a child. Children's books can provide a helpful way for parents to explain this difficult topic. Whether you have experienced a death of a pet, family member, or friend; or just feel that it's the appropriate time to discuss this topic with your child - these book I'm sharing today can allow you to approach this sensitive subject in a kid-friendly way.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and illustrated by Geoff Stevenson is a book that I'm especially fond of because it deals with the fear of being separated from loved ones. When the topic of death comes up, it's easy for children to become fearful and anxious of losing those people closest to them in life. The Invisible String, while not explicitly a book about death, teaches children that they are never truly alone and that they are always connected to those who love them. This book can offer reassurance and comfort to children facing difficult times or feelings.


Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola is the true life story of this famous author's death of his own great-grandmother and grandmother. This book can help children understand how people grow old and eventually die. Children may also identify with Tommy's feelings and experience as he deals with the loss of two close loved ones in his life.

Other recommendations for children's books on death:

Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children

Everett Anderson's Goodbye

What Happens When Someone Dies? A Kid's Book about Death and Funerals

In loving Memory

This post is dedicated to my own Nana and my children's great-Nana who would have celebrated her birthday today.