5 Therapist-Recommended Books to Help Your Child Navigate Grief
Grief is a tough concept for anyone to process, let alone a child. As parents, we often feel at a loss for the right words to help our kids navigate these overwhelming feelings. Thankfully, books can be a powerful tool to open the door to those difficult conversations and provide children with comfort and understanding. Below are five therapist-recommended books that gently address grief in a way that’s accessible and relatable for kids.
1. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
This classic book offers a simple yet profound message: we’re always connected to the ones we love, no matter where they are. Written for young readers, The Invisible String introduces the concept of an invisible bond that keeps us connected to our loved ones, even when they’re no longer physically present.
Why It’s Great: The story provides comfort to children experiencing the loss of a loved one by emphasizing that love transcends distance—and even death.
How to Use It: Read it together during quiet moments and use the idea of the “invisible string” to spark conversations about your child’s feelings. You can even create a craft where your child draws their own invisible string connecting them to the people they love.
2. Sometimes Life is Hard: A Book Normalizing Childhood Grief and Resiliency by Korie Leigh
This beautifully illustrated book validates the complex emotions children experience after a loss while emphasizing their inner strength. Written by a grief counselor, it encourages kids to embrace their feelings while highlighting their ability to overcome challenges.
Why It’s Great: It normalizes grief and offers examples of how children can build resilience in the face of tough times.
How to Use It: After reading, discuss the emotions your child relates to most. The book’s gentle tone helps children feel seen and understood, which is a powerful step in their healing process.
3. The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland
This tender story follows a young girl who creates a memory box to honor her loved one’s legacy. It encourages children to celebrate the life of the person they’ve lost while finding ways to keep their memory alive.
Why It’s Great: It offers a proactive approach to grief by giving kids a tangible way to process their feelings. Creating a memory box can be a therapeutic activity for families to do together.
How to Use It: After reading, gather items for your own memory box. Encourage your child to include drawings, photos, or small mementos that remind them of their loved one.
4. Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen
Although originally written for all ages, Tear Soup is an excellent resource for older children and families. The story uses the metaphor of cooking soup to describe the grieving process, emphasizing that everyone’s recipe for grief looks a little different.
Why It’s Great: It’s an honest yet comforting book that acknowledges grief as a personal journey. The metaphor of making soup helps children understand that their feelings are valid and that healing takes time.
How to Use It: Discuss the “ingredients” of your family’s own tear soup. What emotions or memories are part of your grief? This can lead to meaningful conversations about what your child needs to feel supported.
5. Ida, Always by Caron Levis
Based on a true story of two polar bears at the Central Park Zoo, Ida, Always addresses terminal illness and anticipatory grief with sensitivity and care. It’s a story about loss, but also about the enduring power of love and friendship.
Why It’s Great: This book is perfect for kids experiencing the loss of a pet, friend, or family member. It offers a beautiful message about cherishing the time we have with loved ones.
How to Use It: Read it together and discuss what your child feels they’ll always remember about their loved one. Encourage them to share stories and memories that bring them comfort.
How Books Can Be a Bridge
Grief is deeply personal, and children often struggle to articulate their feelings. Books like these can provide language and frameworks to help them understand their emotions. They can also help you, as a parent, feel more equipped to guide your child through the grieving process.
When sharing these books, remember that it’s okay to cry together, laugh together, or even sit silently and reflect. What matters most is that your child feels safe to express their emotions and knows they’re not alone.
A Final Note: Support Beyond Books
Sometimes, grief requires additional support. If your child is struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or confusion that feel overwhelming, therapy can be a valuable resource. At Hive Wellness Collective, we specialize in helping kids and families navigate the complexities of loss in a safe and compassionate space.
Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your family process grief and find healing together.