Books for Children:

The following is a list of books that have been found to be helpful to families who have suffered the sudden unexpected death of a child. Many include comments/reviews by SUDC families. To the right, you will see links to order these same books through amazon. By ordering them here on the right of this page, a portion of the proceeds are donated back to SUDC Program.

Isabelle's Dream
A Story and Activity Book for a Child's Grief Journey
by Betsy Bottino
Ages 4-10
In memory of Sophia Nagle, who succumbed to SUDC, the author Betsy Bottino Arenella has generously donated all her royalties towards SUDC research.

Dancing on the Moon
by Janice Roper and Lauren Grimm
Age- baby to preschool
This book is designed to help families coping with a SIDS loss. Written by a parent whose 3-month-old son died of SIDS. This is a story about 6 year old Carly who experienced confusion and sadness after the death of her baby brother, Nigel. In a dream she flies to the moon and finds Nigel who assures her that he will always be with her in her heart. May be confusing to young children i.e.: Can I go to the moon and find my sibling? Though may fill a need for hope and comfort in the life of a young child.

The Tenth Best Thing About Barney
by Judith Viorst and Erik Blegvard
Age 4-8
In simple phrases narrated by a child whose cat, Barney has died. The author honestly and simple handles the emotions of losing a beloved pet and the questions about the finality of death. Very good for young ones.

I’ll Always Love You
by Hans Wilhelm
Ages 4-8
This story is about Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy who go through life together. One day Elfie doesn’t wake up. The family grieves and buries her. Very sweet and tender.

The Fall of Freddy the Leaf
by Leo Buscaglia
Ages 4 – 8
This is a warm, wonderfully wise and strikingly simple story of Freddy the Leaf-how Freddy and his companion leaves change with the seasons, finally falling to the ground with the winter’s snow. This is a classic and wonderful for explaining death to a child.

Sad Isn’t Bad- A Good Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss
By Michaelene Mandy and RW Alley
Ages 4-8
This book is loaded with positive, life affirming advice for coping with loss as a child. This guide tells kids what they need to know: the world is still safe, life is good and hurting hearts do mend.

This Book is For All Kids but Especially For My Sister Libby. Libby Died.
by Jack and Annette Simon
ages 4 –8
Children ask many questions about death and this book explores some of the common ones. Will bring a tear to your eye. The illustrations are colorful and wonderful.

The Badger’s Parting Gifts
by Susan Varley
Ages 4 – 8
All the animals loved badger and when he dies they are overwhelmed by their loss. Then, they begin to remember and through their memories the animals find strength to face the future with hope. Very sweet, simple and well illustrated.

What on Earth to Do When Someone Dies
by Trevor Romain
Ages 9 - 12
This simple, insightful, straight-from-the-heart, this book is for any child who has lost a loved one. The author talks directly to kids about what death means and how to cope. Answers questions kids have: why, how, what next, is it my fault, what’s a funeral, in basic straightforward terms.

I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand
by Pat Palmer and Dianne O’Quinn Burke
Ages 9 –12
This warm and comforting book gently helps grieving children identify their feelings and learn to accept and deal with them. It has wonderful heartwarming illustrations. Simple direct writing to help children discover that it is normal and natural to feel the pain of loss.

Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities For Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies
by Janis Silverman
Ages 5 – teen
An art therapy and activity book for children coping with the death of someone they love. Sensitive exercises address all the questions that children may have during this emotional and troubling crisis. Children are encouraged to express in pictures what they are often incapable of expressing in words. The author is an art therapist. The book discusses what to say and do, how to deal with feelings and how to remember friends and relatives that have died.

Healing Your Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas For Kids
by Alan Wolfet
Ages 9-12
A clear concise book with sensitivity and insight that offers suggestions for healing activities. It acknowledges that death is a painful part of life. It offers ideas and activities aimed at reducing confusion, anxiety and the huge personal void so that the living can begin their lives again.

Healing a Grieving Heart: for Teens
by Alan Wolfet
Ages Young Adult
A book written in clear, user-friendly prose. Each page presents a different idea designed to help teens recognize mourning as a natural process connected with loss, reassuring them that they should not be afraid of deep sometimes uncontrollable emotions and showing them how to release grief in healthy positive ways. It seems to work with rather than talk at teems as they tackle the problem and solution process

Fire in My Heart, Ice in My Veins-A Journal For Teenagers Experiencing a Loss
by Enid Samuel Traisman
Ages Young Adult
The journal encourages teens to work through grief in creative and healthy ways. It allows them to keep permanent memories of the person who died. Also, it gives them skills to use throughout their lives when faced with grief and loss.

All God's Creatures Go To Heaven
by Amy Nolfo-Wheeler.
All ages.
"The angel paintings of artist, Nancy Nolfo, beautifully portray the story ofJacob, a child angel on a journey of discovery. It is an inspiring message of joy and hope. This is a story about baby angels who are in heaven and they take care of God's animals. A new little boy goes to heaven and receives a pet to love and take care of. This book is wonderful. It was given to us after Sarah died. We loved it so much that we shared it with a friend who's 2 year old died to use with their daughter."

Have you found another book helpful? Let us know and we will add it to our list