Best Children's Death & Dying Books of 2026

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst is a beloved picture book that has sold over a million copies. It explores the concept of the unbreakable connections between loved ones through the story of a mother telling her children that they are all connected by an invisible string made of love. The book is a powerful tool for coping with separation anxiety, loss, and grief, and has been recommended by parenting blogs, bereavement support groups, and educators. The special paperback edition includes new illustrations and an introduction from the author. Overall, The Invisible String is a heartwarming and reassuring book that delivers a particularly compelling message in today's uncertain times.

The Rabbit Listened is a New York Times bestseller and a heartwarming picture book about empathy and kindness. Taylor is sad when their block construction crashes to the ground, and none of their animal friends' suggestions help. But when the rabbit arrives, all it does is listen, which is just what Taylor needs. The book teaches children the importance of taking the time to carefully, lovingly, and gently listen to comfort and heal the people in their lives. The illustrations are sweet, and the story is beautifully written. The Rabbit Listened is a unique and necessary addition to any children's bookshelf.

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings is a beautifully illustrated children's book that explores a wide range of emotions. The book uses child-friendly imagery to help young readers understand and identify their feelings. The Growing Hearts series celebrates the milestones of a toddler's emotional development, making it an excellent addition to any child's library. The book’s unique die-cut heart and whimsical illustrations make it a perfect storytime and bedtime favorite. Overall, the book is a must-have for any parent who wants to help their child understand and express their emotions in a healthy and positive way.

The Memory Box is a touching children's book that explores the difficult topic of grief and loss. Written from the perspective of a young child, the story follows their journey of creating a memory box to hold mementos and written memories of their loved one who has passed away. The book offers comfort and guidance for both children and adults in managing complex and difficult emotions when losing someone they love. The unique point of view allows readers to relate to the loss of any loved one, including pets. With its heartfelt message and beautiful illustrations, The Memory Box is a must-read for families dealing with grief.

The Invisible Leash is a heartwarming and poignant children's book that helps young readers cope with the loss of a beloved pet. Written by the bestselling author Patrice Karst and beautifully illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, the story follows Zack as he learns to deal with the death of his dog and discovers the comforting power of the "Invisible Leash" that connects their hearts. The book is a touching reminder that love endures even after death. Overall, The Invisible Leash is a must-read for families with young children who are grieving the loss of a pet.

Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss is a must-have book for anyone experiencing grief. The book is not only an affirmation of the bereaved but also educates the un-bereaved, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the grieving process. The book's Grand's Cooking Tips section provides concrete recommendations and wisdom to help those who are grieving. The book is beautifully illustrated with 56 full-color pages, making it an excellent tool for children to understand the grieving process. Overall, Tear Soup is a unique and valuable book that provides comfort, support, and guidance during the difficult grieving process.

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller is a Newbery Medal-winning children's book that brings Korean folklore to life. The story follows Lily, who goes on a quest to unlock the power of stories and save her sick grandmother. A magical tiger arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. With the help of her sister and friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice and the courage to face a tiger. This heartfelt story showcases the power of family, healing, and the magic of storytelling. Overall, it is a must-read for children and adults alike.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is a Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning middle-grade novel, featuring basketball and heartache. The book follows 12-year-old Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan, who are both excellent basketball players. However, Josh has a passion for poetry and uses it to tell his family's story in verse. The story explores family, brotherhood, and growing up on and off the court. The format of the book, which mixes free verse, hip-hop poetry, concrete poems, and newspaper clippings, is unique and engaging. Overall, The Crossover is a powerful and emotional read that will appeal to both sports enthusiasts and poetry lovers.

Tell Me Your Dreams is a heartwarming children's book by Amanda Kloots that encourages parents to create a dream-sharing routine with their children. The story follows a baby who shares all the things he wants to dream about with his mom before going to sleep. From flying across clouds of vanilla ice cream to seeing his beloved Dada again, baby's dreams know no bounds. The book is filled with Kloots' trademark positivity and is sure to create a safe space for children to express their hopes and dreams. With beautiful illustrations by Alex Willmore, this book is a sweet and inspirational addition to any child's bedtime routine.