Bibliotherapy for Children
“Miss Grace, where are the truck books?” and“Do you have princess books?” and “What historical fiction books would you recommend?” We look through the book shelves and pull out options and soon the family is on their way with their next fun read.
Occasionally, a parent asks me to help them find a book for their child on a difficult topic, such as the loss of a pet or the loss of a grandparent. Grief is sad, challenging, and frustrating for an adult to process and it may be overwhelming and confusing to find a way to discuss it with a child. A picture book may be a great vessel to open the conversation to these complex life circumstances. The term bibliotherapy refers to using books to help someone’s mental health. Children may relate to the story or find tools in the story to help them.
If you are looking for books on grief for children, I encourage you to read the book several times ahead of time to make sure it depicts the topic in a way that aligns with your values and how you want to share the topic with your child. If your family is in need of further help than bibliotherapy, consider seeking a mental health professional for additional resources.
The Mercer County Library System has children’s books that cover a variety of topics:
Chronic Illness:
Grief:
Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell
Missing Violet by Kelly Swemb
Where Do They Go? by Julia Alvarez
Still Mine by Jayne Pillemer
Loss of Parent or Grandparent:
Dance Like a Leaf by A. J. Irving
Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship by Heather Smith
One Wave at a Time: A Story about Grief and Healing by Holly Thompson
Saturdays are for Stella by Candy Wellins
Loss of Pet:
Harry and Hopper by Margaret Wild
Olive by Edwina Wyatt
A Stone for Sascha by Aaron Becker
Where Lily Isn’t by Julie Paschkis
By Miss Grace, Robbinsville Branch
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