Books and resources for bereaved children and young people

A Pocket Full of Plasters - 10 fold-out 'plasters' of advice for young people to read at difficult times

I Can…You Can cards - A set of four postcards for bereaved children and young people to alert their parent or carer, friend or teacher how they can help through this difficult time, and to remind themselves of coping strategies.

Stepping Stones cards - A set of four postcards for children and young people when someone important to them is seriously ill to alert people close to them how they can help through this difficult time.

A Star For Bobby by Helen Keenor - A book for young children about the death of a brother or sister, explaining why sometimes these things happen and how this may be making them feel.

No Worries, Hello Happy, Stay Strong, Be Brave by Dr Sharie Coombes - Set of four books using writing, colouring, doodling and drawing to explore fears, worries and negative feelings, and develop new ways to cope

A Birthday Present for Daniel by Juliet Rothman - Suitable for ages 9 to 12 years. A young girl whose brother has died describes how she feels and tells about some of the things her family does to help them accept his death.

We were gonna have a baby, but we had an angel instead - Suitable for children who are suffering the loss of their family’s pregnancy.

Silly Billy by Anthony Browne - For children who worry

When Something Terrible Happens: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief (Drawing Out Feelings) by Marqge Heegaard - Creates ways for children to explore the fright, confusion, and insecurity caused by traumatic events of grief, family loss and change.  

These Precious Little People by Frankie Brunker & Gillian Gamble - Anyone supporting children affected by the death of a baby can use this book as a way to develop an understanding of their grief.

When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Kransy Brown and Marc Brown - A guide to help answer questions and explore feelings about the death of a loved one, including ways to remember someone after he or she has died.

Angry Arthur by Hiawyn Oram & Satoshi Kitamura - A book to understand and explore anger

Sometimes by Rebecca Elliott - A story of a boy who’s sister spends a lot of time in hospital

I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas - This reassuring picture book explores the difficult issue of death for young children in a simple but realistic way.

Goodbye Mousie by Robie H. Harris - A story about the loss of a pet to help young readers deal with loss.

Out of the Blue by Julie Stokes & Paul Oxley - This book has been written and designed specifically for teenagers with aim of supporting them through bereavement using a range of activities.

Always and Forever by Debi Gliori & Alan Durant - With thoughtful, delicate illustrations, this gentle story is just right for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

Sad Book by Michael Rosen’s - A beautifully illustrated read for adults and children about love and loss which explains why it's ok to be sad sometimes

No Matter What by Debi Gliori - A heartfelt story about the unconditional love each parent feels for their child  

Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine by Diana Crossley - Activity book for bereaved younger children, using activities and exercises to explore the many difficult feelings which inevitably follow when someone dies. 

I Miss my Sister - For children aged 4 - 10 years, using illustrations help to guide children through grief and different emotions following the death of a sibling.