What happens when a loved one dies? by Dr Jillian Roberts & by Cindy Revell.

What happens when a loved one dies?: our first talk about death by Dr Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Cindy Revell. Orca Books Publishers 2016. 

A simple and accessible nonfiction book about death and grief, with many cultures and beliefs mentioned.

My heart by Corinna Luyken.

My heart by Corinna Luyken. Dial Books for Young Readers 2019. 

A metaphorical look at emotions and feelings. 

Although not about death and grief, this can be a reassuring message for those struggling with their feelings.

Up the mountain by Marianne Dubuc, translated by Sarah Ardizzone.

Up the mountain by Marianne Dubuc, translated by Sarah Ardizzone. Book Island 2018. 

A story of friendship and sharing and passing on of knowledge. 

Mrs Badger loves the mountain and teaches Leo, a cat, about the mountain. 

Slowly, as Mrs Badger ages, Leo takes the mountain over. And passes on his knowledge to another.

The gift horse by Sophie Siers & Katharine White.

The gift horse by Sophie Siers, llustrated by Katharine White. Millwood Press 2017. 

Since Sophie's mother died, Sophie has been struggling to connect with others - to express herself. Her father and brother leave her the space she needs. 

Sophie finds comfort in the lessons her mother has left her with - how to connect with troubled horses. 

Sophie also works through her grief through working with a scared horse.

Alfie and the birthday surprise by Shirley Hughes.

Alfie and the birthday surprise by Shirley Hughes. Bodley Head 1997. 

The story of the importance and friendship/ companionship found in pets. And how a cat can effect a community. 

It also shows how wonderful it is to be part of a community/ neighbourhood. 

When the neighbour's old cat dies, the street combine to comfort Mr MacNally with a surprise birthday, including a new kitten.

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. Roaring Brook Press 2018. 

So simple and yet so powerful. Sparse words tell the story of a young boy and his dog. 

It is so sparse, much explanation may be needed, as you could miss the fact the dog dies.

What is heaven like? by Beverly Lewis & Pam Querin.

What is heaven like? by Beverly Lewis, illustrated by Pam Querin. Bethany House 2006. 

A comforting exploration of Christian heaven and afterlife, with Biblical verses as footnotes.

Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour & Daniel Egneus.

Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egneus. Oxford University Press 2019. 

Tibble tries to find a way to get Grandpa to talk to him - to come out of his grief after the death of his wife, Tibble's Granny. 

A simple yet powerful story about memories and connections.

The immortal jellyfish by Sang Miao.

The immortal jellyfish by Sang Miao. Flying Eye Books 2019. 

A young boy finds comfort in his dreams of his recently dead grandfather, as his grandfather chooses what to be reincarnated as. 

This may have limited bibliotherapy uses.

The three Lucys by Hayan Charara & Sara Kahn.

The three Lucys by Hayan Charara, illustrated by Sara Kahn. Lee & Low Books 2016. 

Based on true events, this is the story of pets left behind while the family are away for a weekend, but their home - Beirut - is bombed, thus extending their time away. 

On their return, one of the cats fails to return. The narrator finds comfort in the rebuilding of his city, and in his memories of his cat, Lucy Lucy.

Are you sad, Little Bear? by Rachel Rivett & Tina Macnaughton.

Are you sad, Little Bear?: a book about learning to say goodbye by Rachel Rivett, illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. Lion Children’s 2009. 

A metaphorical and spiritual look at death, and moving into another realm. 

Grandad's island by Benji Davies.

Grandad's island by Benji Davies. Simon and Schuster 2015. 

A metaphorical story about death, which may raise more questions than answers. This limits its effectiveness as a bibliotherapy text.

Zayde comes to live by Sheri Sinykin & Kristina Swarner.

Zayde comes to live by Sheri Sinykin, illustrated by Kristina Swarner. Peachtree 2012. 

So many books about death and the afterlife are from a Christian perspective, so this is welcome addition, told from a Jewish perspective. 

Christian and Islamic beliefs are mentioned as Rachel, the first-person narrator, tries to find out what is going to happen to her grandfather, her Zayde, after his death. 

It is a reassuring and touching story about the circle of life.

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley.

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley. Roaring Brook Press 2015. 

Papa's absence isn't explained, but both Buckley and his mother miss him, and talk about him daily. 

Buckley makes boats, which he sends out to sea for Papa, and his mother collects them, so Buckley can believe that they reach his father. 

Simple and gentle look at keeping memories alive. 

The rough patch by Brian Lies.

The rough patch by Brian Lies. Greenwillow Books 2018. 

Both literal and metaphorical anger express Evan's grief after the death of his (unnamed) dog. 

Healing comes through time and friends, reestablishing routine, and a new puppy. 

The pond by Nicola Davies & Cathy Fisher.

The pond by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Cathy Fisher. Graffeg Limited 2017. 

The father had planned a pond, but dies before its completion. 

The pond becomes a metaphor and representation of the family's grief and recovery. From a hole, to something beautiful - just as their father had always said. 

This is a very understated book, with much about natural history (English pond life) woven into the text and illustration.

The copper tree by Hilary Robinson & Mandy Stanley.

The copper tree by Hilary Robinson, illustrated by Mandy Stanley. Strauss House 2012. 

A simple yet effective story about a young class remembering their teacher after her death. 

The importance of memories is highlighted, with a visual reminder of Miss Evans.

Goodbye to Goldie by Fran Manushkin & Tammie Lyon.

Goodbye to Goldie by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Tammie Lyon. Picture Window Books 2010. 

Part of the Katie Woo series. 

A simple, beginning chapter book, which still manages to show how sharing happy memories can help with the grieving process after a death. 

Cloud boy by Marcia Williams.

Cloud boy by Marcia Williams. Walker Books 2019. 

Anger often comes out when grieving, something that is vividly - and so really - depicted in this novel. 

Angie, the first person narrator in this diary format story, runs the gamut of emotions as her best friend and nearly-twin, Harry gradually succumbs to illness. (Although not stated, it seems to be a brain tumour.) 

Threaded through their story is that of Angie's great-grandmother and her time spent in Changi prison during World War Two, in the Japanese occupation of Singapore. 

All the ways home by Elsie Chapman.

All the ways home by Elsie Chapman.Feiwel and Friends 2019. 

A story of family and home, and redemption. 

The book doesn't really deal with Kaede's grief, but it is obvious he expresses it through anger and violence.

His visit to Japan, and reconnecting with his half-brother, through the vehicle of a school assignment, helps him define what home means to him. 

Although grief is not explicitly stated, it is present in Kaede, and in his brother, Shoma. Not just the recent death of Kaede's mother, but also the absence of their father, the break-up of their family, and the what-could-have-beens. There is also Kaede's reject other his grief-fuelled actions (not all of them). 

I do wonder about their father's absence and lack of technological coverage, as internet and cell phone coverage isn't that bad. But, for adding to the plot, it seems necessary.

The line tender by Kate Allen.

The line tender by Kate Allen. Dutton Children’s Books 2019. 

Grief, its nuances, and people's varying reactions are sensitively explored and portrayed in this debut novel.

It has been five years since Lucy's mother died, and the summer she is 13 brings about the death of her best and oldest friend. 

There is people's grief and coping (or otherwise) in the immediate aftermath of Fred's death, but also the slow healing and reminiscences of Lucy's mother. 

It doesn't hide from the fact that grieving is not a short-term thing, but the ripples continue throughout life. 

What is refreshing, is the number of men who are portrayed as people who grieve, who have emotions - albeit, quite quietly and understated. 

Butterflies for Grandpa Joe by Nicola Davies & Mike Byrne.

Butterflies for Grandpa Joe by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Mike Byrne. Barrington Stoke 2019. 

An early chapter book, designed for dyslexic readers. But it packs a lot in.

Ben is determined to bring his Grandpa Joe back into the world after the death of Grandma Lou. 

Ben feels alone in his quest, as there has been a rift in the family. But, together, the family helps Grandpa Joe find a new life and purpose. 

Secret friends by Elizabeth Laird & Alleanna Harris.

Secret friends by Elizabeth Laird, illustrated by Alleanna Harris. Macmillan Children’s Books 2019. (Originally published Hodder Children’s Books 1996.) 

Although a short novella, this packs a lot in. 

There's bullying, friendship and grief. 

Lucy accidentally hands school yard bullies a nickname for Rafaella, one which leads - in a way - to Rafaella's death. Rafaella dies under anaesthetic, while being operated on to 'fix' her ears. 

Lucy feels tremendous guilt which adds to her grief. 

Rafaella's parents and brother are sympathetic towards Lucy, and want to stay in touch.