Bridge to Anywhere by Sarah Milne & Laura Bee

Bridge to Anywhere by Sarah Milne & Laura Bee.  

Beatnik Publishing, 2024.  

Aotearoa. 

With her cousins visiting from overseas, Lily shares her magical bridge … and this time they venture further than Australia. Where do you think they will visit and what do you think they will see? Following the success of Kiwis and Koalas, Bridge to Anywhere is the much anticipated sequel - another charming and whimsical tale of love, loss and bridging the distance between the people and places we miss.

Family connections. A bit of fantasy. Mention of death and loss. 

It's ok. Nothing great. Heading towards twee.  

Arno and his horse by Jane Godwin and Felicita Sala.

Arno and his horse by Jane Godwin and Felicita Sala. 

Scribble, 2020.

Arno had a horse, it was brown and it was black. He took it with him everywhere, but did he bring it back? When Arno loses his precious toy horse, all the kids in town help him to look for it. They look everywhere, but will Arno ever see his horse again? A touching story about memory, dreams, and the mysterious ways we feel connected to those we love.

A bit confusing, with disconnects between text and illustrations – but not in a good way.

It’s also a story about death and grief, but that seems almost an afterthought. Rhyming text.

The invisible parade by Leigh Bardugo & John Picacio

The invisible parade by Leigh Bardugo & John Picacio. 

Orion Children's Books, 2025. 

Everyone in the neighborhood was getting ready for the party. Everyone knew somebody on the guest list. . . This was the day the dead returned. There's a party tonight, but Cala doesn't want to go. While her family prepares for the celebration, Cala grieves her grandfather and tries to pretend she's not afraid. But when she is separated from her family at the cemetery, Cala encounters four mysterious riders who will show her she is actually quite brave after all. Set on the night of Día de Muertos, Cala's story is one of love, loss, and the courage that can be found in unexpected places. 

The horseman from the night of Día de Muertos, and a story of grief, combine in a stunning sophisticated picture book.  

Freya and the snake by Fredrik Sonck & Jenny Lucander

Freya and the snake by Fredrik Sonck & Jenny Lucander. 

Originally published in Swedish as Freja och huggormen. Translated by B.J. Woodstein.

Kids Can Press, 2025. 

At their summer cottage, Freya's little brother, Hugo, spots a snake in the cairn. "Its name is Ormis," Freya proclaims. Worried for Hugo's safety, Freya's parents decide they don't want Ormis around -- they must catch the snake and take it away from their home. They assure Freya that the snake won't be harmed. Wearing rain boots and thick gloves, Freya's dad tries to capture Ormis all day. But Ormis is too quick, hissing and slithering in and out of rocky crevices, hiding from view. By the end of the day, Freya's dad is frustrated, his patience thin. So, when he spots Ormis again at last, he sneaks up slowly... and kills him with an oar. Freya sees the whole thing. "Murder!" Freya yells at her dad. Disheartened by her dad's actions, Freya shuns him. She knows that Ormis could have hurt Hugo, but does that mean the snake deserved to die? Surely not. But even if her dad did a bad thing, can Freya really stay mad at him forever? This unflinching picture book explores death, the relationship between humans and nature, and what happens when a child sees their parent do something they think is wrong -- and what it takes to find forgiveness. 

A very different approach to dealing with death. 

Freya’s father kills a snake, which could have bitten one of the family. Freya cannot forgive the snake murder, even after his reasons are explained. Freya has to deal with her anger at her father, but also her love of him.

Is it asleep by Olivier Tallec

Is it asleep? by Olivier Tallec. 

Originally published in French as Est-ce qu'il dort? Translated by Anthony Shugaar. 

Gecko Press, 2025. 

Squirrel and his best friend, Pock the mushroom, sit on the old stump, watching birds fly by. When they're tired of this, they take the path to the yellow meadow to listen to the blackbird sing. But today, the bird's not there. The friends look everywhere. Finally they find it on the path, all stretched out and quite still. It must be sleeping. They sit down quietly and wait for the bird to wake. This true-to-child story of a natural encounter with an animal that has died is both dryly humorous and a profound example of how to manage the comings and goings of life. 

A quirky introduction to death, which does look at what it means – physically – to be dead. And, a bit at life cycles.  

The glow: life, death & the light within by Rebekah Lipp & Craig Phillips

The glow: life, death & the light within by Rebekah Lipp & Craig Phillips. 

Wilding Books, 2026. 

Discover a beautifully illustrated picture book that helps children understand death and dying in a comforting, spiritual way. It uses the metaphor of an inner light a unique "glow" that connects all living things to explain the cycle of life, loss, and lasting love. Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking a tender resource for explaining death to kids or supporting children's grief. 

Very spiritual – ie new-age-y.  

Not one I would recommend. 

Riwia and the Stargazer by Linda Tuhiwai Smith & Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.

Riwia and the Stargazer by Linda Tuhiwai Smith & Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. 

Huia Publishers, 2023. 

Since he was born, Riwia's baby brother, Tawa, has been in Auckland Hospital, and his family has come to stay in Auckland. While Riwia goes to school and Dad works as a cook, Mum stays with Tawa. Their Aunty Sue's house is full, and renting is expensive, so Riwia and her parents live in a van, the Stargazer. But Tawa is getting sicker, and he dies. The family travels back to Te Teko, taking Tawa to the marae for his tangi and burial. Riwia learns about the journey Tawa's spirit will make, and at Matariki, the family gathers and remembers Tawa. 

This book deals with so much more than death, including homelessness. However, this book deals with death, lifetime illness, preparatory grief, and tangihana. 

Millie's big decision by Ian Eagleton & Max Rambaldi

Millie's big decision by Ian Eagleton & Max Rambaldi.

Tate Publishing, 2023. 

Millie has always wanted a dog, but when her grandmother passes away, she finds herself scared of letting anyone (or any dog) in. Can her dads help her find the perfect pup to teach her to love again? 

The death of Millie's beloved grandmother helps give this story impetus. How can Millie adopt and love a new dog, when they could die, and she would grieve. The inclusion of two dads is incidental to the story, but is a lovely bonus. 

The more you give by Marcy Campbell and Francesca Sanna.

The more you give by Marcy Campbell and Francesca Sanna.

A beautiful story of continuity and love, with lessons passed down through the generations. 

The grandmother's death is not explained, but quietly incorporated into the story. I appreciate how the grandson knows to reach for help in his sorrow. 

The story moves on, with more generations. 

Dadaji's paintbrush written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane

Dadaji's paintbrush written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane. Andersen Press 2022. 

Sometimes, the only way to deal with the absence of a loved one is to lock things away - be they memories or physical objects.

The boy copes with the death of his grandfather, Dadaji, by locking everything away. The paintings. The paint. The paintbrush. And his joy and creativity. 

A small child reminds him of their shared past, and helps him rediscover his Dadaji and his memories and joy. 

Rodney was a tortoise written by Nan Forler, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang.

Rodney was a tortoise written by Nan Forler, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. Tundra Books 2022. 

The overwhelming aloneness of unshared grief, and the importance of someone who reaches out, who understands. 

Bernadette and Rodney have a wonderful relationship, and Bernadette's grief at his death is poignantly shown. 

Daddy's rainbow written by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Becky Cameron

Daddy's rainbow written by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Becky Cameron. Bloomsbury 2022.

So much is said in the spaces, in the illustrations.

Daddy does not die suddenly, so there are moments as he becomes weaker, as they visit in hospital. Then, slowly, as they come through the thick blanket of grey, to be able to see colour again.

There is no discernable timeframe to this. 

How my koro became a star by Brianne Te Paa; illustrated by Story Hemi Moorhouse

How my koro became a star written by Brianne Te Paa; illustrated by Story Hemi Moorhouse. Huia Publishers 2022.

A true taonga.

Rituals passed down and shared.

The significance and importance of these farewell rituals is integrated beautifully within the story.

The sorrow and shared experiences / memories of a passed loved one are gently shown.

It's ok that you're not ok

It's ok that you're not ok: meeting grief and loss in a culture that doesn't understand by Megan Devine. Sounds True 2017.  

Personal, no nonsense advice for those grieving and those supporting them.

Platitudes are, at best, useless.

Grief doesn't get better. We live with it, grow around it, carry it differently. But it is there, forever. 

If I could recommend only one book for supporters of those grieving — this would be it.

If I could recommend only one book for those grieving — this would be it. 

Her mother's face written by Roddy Doyle, illustrated by Freya Blackwood.

Her mother's face written by Roddy Doyle, illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008.

Grief and sadness do not just stop.
The long tendrils of grief and of missing someone are beautifully shown in this sophisticated picture book.
Deft and subtle touches in the illustrations add to the pathos, melancholia, bittersweetness - and hope.