20 best books on death for toddlers – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you struggling to find a way to talk to your toddler about death? Explaining such a complex concept can be challenging, but with the help of books, it becomes easier. ’20 best books about death for toddlers’ is a curated list that will guide you in finding the perfect book on death for toddlers. These books are not only educational but also engaging, helping your little one understand and navigate through the difficult topic of death. Let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of death for toddlers books!


The Goodbye Book

by Todd Parr

The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr is a heartwarming and tender book about loss and saying farewell for young children. This beautifully illustrated book on death for toddlers explores the complex emotions that come with losing a loved one or experiencing any kind of separation. Through simple and comforting language, Parr helps young readers understand that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused when someone they love is no longer with them.

The Invisible String

by Patrice Karst

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst is an extraordinary book about the power of love and connection for children who are grappling with the concept of loss. This heartwarming and gentle story is not just a book about death for toddlers, but rather a beautiful exploration of the invisible bonds that connect us all.

The Memory Box: A Book About Grief

by Joanna Rowland

The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland is a touching and heartfelt story that explores the difficult topic of loss and grief in a gentle and relatable way. This beautifully illustrated book on death for toddlers is a must-read for parents and caregivers looking to help young children understand and cope with the concept of death.

Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children

by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen

Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children is a captivating book on death for toddlers that offers a gentle and heartfelt approach to explaining the concept of death to young children. Written by Bryan Mellonie and beautifully illustrated by Robert Ingpen, this book about death for toddlers takes readers on a journey that celebrates the cycle of life.

With colorful and engaging illustrations, Lifetimes skillfully explores the topic of death for toddlers book through the lens of nature. The book introduces children to the idea that every living thing has a lifetime, just like the trees, flowers, and animals they see in the world around them.

Using simple language and age-appropriate explanations, Lifetimes gently illustrates the concept that all living things eventually come to an end. It emphasizes that the end of a lifetime does not mean the end of love or cherished memories. Instead, it encourages children to understand that life is a beautiful and precious gift, and that each individual’s lifetime is unique and valuable.

By presenting death for toddlers in a positive and reassuring way, Lifetimes helps children develop a healthy perspective on the topic. It encourages open conversations about death, allowing children to express their thoughts, fears, and emotions in a supportive environment.

Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children is a heartwarming and essential book on death for toddlers that gently guides young readers through the natural cycle of life. With its beautiful illustrations and poignant messages, this book about death for toddlers offers comfort, understanding, and a gentle introduction to the concept of death.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages

by Leo Buscaglia

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages by Leo Buscaglia is a beautifully written and illustrated book on death for toddlers. This heartwarming tale explores the cycle of life and death in a way that is accessible and relatable for young children.

In this book about death for toddlers, Freddie, a vibrant and green leaf, discovers that he is about to fall from his tree. The story follows Freddie’s journey as he comes to terms with his own mortality and learns to embrace the natural cycle of life.

Through Freddie’s experiences, children are gently introduced to the concept of death and the idea that it is a natural part of life. The book emphasizes the beauty and interconnectedness of all living things, helping young readers to develop a sense of acceptance and understanding.

With its simple yet profound message, The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is a death for toddlers book that encourages conversations about life, death, and the importance of cherishing every moment. It is a must-read for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to address this delicate topic with young children.

I Miss You: A First Look at Death

by Pat Thomas

I Miss You: A First Look at Death is a heartwarming and gentle book that introduces young children to the concept of loss and death. This beautifully illustrated book on death for toddlers takes a sensitive approach to explaining a difficult subject in a way that is both comforting and age-appropriate.

With its simple language and engaging illustrations, this book about death for toddlers helps children understand that death is a natural part of life. It explores the emotions they may experience when someone they love passes away, such as sadness, confusion, and even anger. Through relatable examples and relatable characters, the book shows children that it is okay to feel these emotions and that they are not alone in their grief.

One of the strengths of this death for toddlers book is its emphasis on the importance of remembering and honoring the person who has died. It encourages children to talk about their loved ones, share memories, and express their feelings, fostering open and healthy conversations about loss.

Overall, I Miss You: A First Look at Death is a compassionate and supportive resource for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to help young children navigate the complex emotions surrounding death. It provides a safe space for children to process their feelings, fostering resilience and understanding during a challenging time.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney

by Judith Viorst

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is a heartwarming and sensitive book on death for toddlers written by Judith Viorst. This beautifully illustrated book about death for toddlers delicately explores the difficult topic of loss and grief, perfect for young children who are trying to understand the concept of passing away.

The Saddest Time

by Norma Simon

The Saddest Time, written by Norma Simon, is a heartwarming and tender book, specially crafted for young children who are grappling with the concept of loss and grief. This beautifully illustrated book on death for toddlers gently explores the difficult topic of saying goodbye to a loved one, using language and imagery that is both relatable and comforting. It serves as a book about death for toddlers that helps them understand and navigate the feelings of sadness, confusion, and longing that can arise when someone they love passes away. Through its compassionate storytelling, The Saddest Time provides a safe space for children to express their emotions and begin to process the profound experience of loss. It is truly a remarkable death for toddlers book, offering solace and understanding during an incredibly challenging time in their young lives.

The Next Place

by Warren Hanson

The Next Place by Warren Hanson is a heartwarming and tender book that gently explores the topic of loss and transition. This beautifully illustrated book is not just a book on death for toddlers, but a comforting and inspiring story that helps young children understand the concept of life’s eternal journey.

Always and Forever

by Debi Gliori

Always and Forever is a heartwarming and tender book about loss and grief for young children. This beautifully illustrated book on death for toddlers explores the difficult topic with sensitivity and compassion.

The Heart and the Bottle

by Oliver Jeffers

The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers is a captivating book on loss and grief that gently introduces the concept of death to young readers. This thought-provoking story explores the emotions and questions that arise when a loved one passes away.

The Scar

by Charlotte Moundlic

Introducing a courageous and heartwarming story:

Embark on a tender journey with The Scar, a captivating book on loss specially crafted for young children. Written by Charlotte Moundlic, this poignant tale gently explores the theme of death for toddlers with great sensitivity and compassion.

In this beautifully illustrated book about death for toddlers, readers meet a young boy named Simon who finds himself facing the profound sadness of losing his mother. As Simon navigates the tumultuous waves of grief, his words capture the vulnerability and confusion that often accompany such a loss.

Through finely crafted prose, Moundlic takes us on a poignant journey, allowing children to explore and express their own emotions while finding solace in Simon’s story. With tender illustrations that accompany the heartfelt text, young readers will be enveloped by the book’s warmth and empathy.

With its gentle approach and reassuring narrative, The Scar is a remarkable death for toddlers book that helps children understand the complexities of loss and provides a safe space for them to process their emotions. This book offers an essential tool for parents, caregivers, and educators to navigate conversations about grief with young children.

Prepare to be moved by The Scar, a touching and transformative tale that will captivate both children and adults alike. Dive into this remarkable book on death for toddlers and discover a story that teaches empathy, resilience, and the power of healing.

The Rabbit Listened

by Cori Doerrfeld

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is a heartwarming book about loss and grief for young readers. This beautiful story follows a young child named Taylor who experiences a great loss. Taylor’s world is turned upside down, but instead of offering clichéd advice, the various animals in the neighborhood try to help in their own ways. From the bear who wants Taylor to be angry to the ostrich who suggests forgetting, none of their approaches seem to mend Taylor’s broken heart.

However, when the rabbit comes along, things begin to change. The rabbit sits quietly beside Taylor, listening attentively without judgment or expectation. Through the simple act of listening, the rabbit provides Taylor with a safe space to express emotions and heal at their own pace. This tender story teaches children the importance of empathy, understanding, and the power of a listening ear.

The Rabbit Listened is not just a book on death for toddlers, but a universal tale that speaks to anyone who has experienced loss or knows someone who has. With its gentle illustrations and thoughtful message, this book about death for toddlers offers comfort and reassurance in times of sorrow. It is a must-read for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to teach children about empathy, resilience, and the healing power of listening.

The Dead Bird

by Margaret Wise Brown

The Dead Bird by Margaret Wise Brown is a heartwarming and sensitive book about loss and grief for young children. This poignant story gently introduces the concept of death to toddlers, helping them navigate through their first encounter with the natural cycle of life. With beautiful illustrations and a comforting narrative, this book on death for toddlers provides a safe space for young ones to explore their feelings and learn about the delicate balance of life and death.

The Memory Tree

by Britta Teckentrup

The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup is a heartwarming and tender book on death for toddlers. With its beautiful illustrations and comforting words, it gently explores the topic of loss and provides a safe space for young children to understand and express their emotions.

The Goodbye Cancer Garden

by Janna Matthies

The Goodbye Cancer Garden is a heartwarming and tender book about saying goodbye to a loved one, specifically written for young children who are dealing with the difficult topic of death. This beautifully illustrated book on death for toddlers gently explores the emotions and questions that arise when a family member or friend is facing a terminal illness.

Through the story’s main character, a young girl named Marcy, children are guided on a journey of understanding and acceptance as they navigate the complexities of saying goodbye to a loved one. Marcy finds solace and hope in her grandmother’s garden, a place where she can connect with nature and process her emotions.

The author, Janna Matthies, handles the topic of death for toddlers with incredible sensitivity and compassion. She addresses difficult questions such as “Why do people die?” and “Will I forget them?” in a way that is both honest and age-appropriate.

With its gentle storytelling and vibrant illustrations, The Goodbye Cancer Garden is a comforting and invaluable resource for families and caregivers who are supporting young children through the grieving process. This book about death for toddlers provides a safe space for children to express their feelings, find closure, and ultimately learn how to remember and honor their loved ones.

The Funeral

by Matt James

The Funeral by Matt James is a captivating and heartwarming book that tackles the delicate topic of death for toddlers. This beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written book provides a gentle introduction to the concept of loss and the funeral process. It is a must-read for parents seeking a book about death for toddlers or a death for toddlers book that handles this sensitive subject with grace and tenderness.

The Rough Patch

by Brian Lies

The Rough Patch by Brian Lies is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated book on loss for young readers. This poignant tale explores the theme of grief and healing in a way that is accessible and relatable for children. With its touching story and stunning artwork, The Rough Patch is a must-read book about loss for toddlers. Through the journey of the main character, we see how he copes with the challenges of death and eventually finds hope and happiness again. This book about death for toddlers gently teaches young readers about the emotions and experiences that come with loss, while also reminding them that healing is possible.

The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back

by Margot Sunderland

The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back is a touching and beautifully illustrated book about loss and grief, specifically written for young children. This heartfelt story gently tackles the difficult topic of death for toddlers, helping them understand and navigate their emotions.

With its engaging narrative and vivid illustrations, this book about death for toddlers takes young readers on a journey alongside a little boy named Ben. One day, Ben’s beloved grandfather dies, and he is left feeling confused and heartbroken. Unable to comprehend the concept of death, Ben embarks on a quest to find the sea, hoping to bring his grandfather back.

Through vivid imagery and relatable emotions, the author, Margot Sunderland, delicately explores the themes of loss and grief in a way that is accessible for young children. The use of metaphorical language, such as the sea symbolizing the eternal nature of life, allows toddlers to grasp the concept of death in a gentle and non-threatening manner.

The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back is a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to support young children in understanding and processing the complexities of death. By providing a safe space for discussions and emotions, this book helps toddlers develop resilience and empathy, fostering their emotional well-being during difficult times.

Whether you are seeking a book on death for toddlers, a book about death for toddlers, or a death for toddlers book, The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back is a compassionate and essential read that offers comfort and guidance in times of loss.

The Invisible Boat

by Eric Carle

Introducing The Invisible Boat by Eric Carle, a captivating and sensitive exploration of life’s most delicate topic for our little ones. This enchanting journey through the unknown is a must-read for all parents searching for a book about the invisible voyage we all embark upon. In this heartwarming tale, Carle gently tackles the subject of departure for young souls, guiding them through a world of emotions, questions, and curiosity. With his signature vibrant illustrations and lyrical storytelling, Carle invites children to embrace the beauty of transformation and the circle of life. This book on the invisible journey is a comforting companion, offering solace and understanding to young hearts in the most tender and empathetic way. Get ready to embark on a magical adventure that will leave you and your child awestruck and comforted.

Conclusion

Books about death for toddlers can be a valuable resource for parents and caregivers who want to help young children navigate the complex emotions that come with loss. These 20 best books about death for toddlers offer gentle and age-appropriate ways to explore and understand the concept of death. Whether it’s the loss of a pet, a loved one, or simply the concept of mortality, these books provide a comforting and reassuring way to approach this difficult topic. By reading these books together, parents can create a safe space for children to ask questions, express their feelings, and find solace in the power of storytelling. So, grab a cozy blanket, snuggle up with your little one, and embark on a journey of healing and understanding with these beautiful books about death for toddlers.