Oftentimes, children’s first experience with death and grief is when a family pet dies. Reading to your child is a wonderful way to open the conversation and help them process their loss.

Here is a list of excellent books for children going through the loss of a pet:

• The Invisible Leash: “When our pets aren’t with us anymore, an Invisible Leash connects our hearts to each other. Forever.” Recommended for ages 3-8.

• When a Pet Dies: A Mister Rogers Neighborhood book that helps normalize the feelings that come with loss and grief. Recommended for ages 3-6. I personally think it could work for under-3-year-olds as well.

• Forever Mine: A lovely goodbye story about the loss of a pet. Recommended for ages 1-11.

• The Garden of Lost Balls: This book indirectly discusses loss and saying goodbye, it is a great option for opening the conversation about loss. Recommended for ages 3 & up.

• I Miss My Pet: This book uses simple language and introduces coping skills. Recommended for ages 4-8.

• The Goodbye Book: A story about saying goodbye, told through the lens of a fish who lost a companion. Recommended for ages 2-4.

• Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A compassionate book about the topic of pet euthanasia. Recommended for ages 3 & up.

• Goodbye Bella: A story about a young girl saying goodbye to a pet. Recommended for ages 3 & up.

• Saying Goodbye to Lulu: A goodbye story about a dog getting older. Recommended for ages 3-7.

• Something Very Sad Happened: This book is intended for toddler-aged children to help them understand death and loss. The book is about the loss of the characters Grandma but it could easily be adapted to the reader’s specific loss. Recommended for ages 2-4.

• Don’t Despair on Thursdays!: Primarily about grief and coping skills, the book mentions several forms of loss, one of which is pet loss. Recommended for ages 9-10.

The loss of a pet can be just as difficult as the loss of a family member. Reading books about loss can help normalize feelings and act as a conversation starter.

The links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, I encourage you to shop at your local bookstores or utilize your local library! I earn a small commission if you purchase from the above links that directly help Wayfinder Doula continue!