Here are some resources to help your child deal with loss:

Popular Children's Books

  • "The Death of a Friend: Helping Children Cope with Grief and Loss." (color video, 15 minutes). Distributed by The Good Grief Program; Judge Baker Guidance Center
    295 Longwood Avenue; Boston, MA 02115.
  • "Tough Boris," by Mem Fox. (Scholastic, 1994). About a pirate who cries when his parrot dies. Teaches that people can be both tough and tender.
  • "The Hickory Chair," by L. Fraustino. (Scholastic, 2001). Depicts an ethnic family with a visually impaired boy who grieves the death of his grandmother.
  • "Charlotte’s Web," by E.B. White. (Harper, 1952). Classic story about three friends; a pig, rat, and spider. When the spider dies her friends grieve and remember special things about her.
  • "It’s O.K. to Cry," by L.C. Anderson. (Children’s Press, 1979, check libraries for availability). A four year old tries to tell his older old brother that their favorite uncle is dead. Includes questions and answers relating to the story and the topic of death.
  • "A Look at Death," by R. Anders. (Lerner, 1978, check libraries for availability). Pictures present the concept of death and the customs of mourning.
  • "Tell Me About Heaven," by M.A. Jones. (Rand McNally, 1956, check libraries/church libraries for availability). Christian answers to young children’s questions about heaven.

Web Sites

Compassionate Friends. Assistance to parents, grandparents, and siblings following the death of a child of any age.

Good Grief Program. Provides guidance and assistance to parents and teachers on all aspects of childhood grief.