Related Books & Media
A Curated List of Children's Media Exploring Grief & Remembering
Pieces of You is a children’s book dedicated to exploring the role of remembering in the grieving process. It is inspired by common grieving experiences and joins a much larger conversation about grief and loss in children’s media. Below I am sharing a self-curated list of children’s literature and other media that explores grief or remembering in a special way. I hope Pieces of You is just one stop in your larger journey exploring the rich, complex topics covered in children’s media.
Children's Books
Books focused specifically on remembering a lost loved one are starred.
Below, there are other children's books exploring how to understand, communicate about, and navigate grief.
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief
by Joanna Rowland, illustrated by Thea Baker
This story focuses on how to remember someone who has died and how important this is to healing. This book provides kids with the opportunity to participate in the grieving of a loved one by remembering them.
Still Mine
by Jayne Pillemer, illustrated by Sherly Murray
This wonderful story explores how you can carry loved ones with you after they’ve died. Pillemer addresses the anxieties children have surrounding death and eases these fears in a beautiful story of continued love through loss.
The Memory String
by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ted Rand
Bunting’s book follows the complex feelings of a child dealing with loss and changing family dynamics. This book represents the ways in which memories can connect us to the past and shape the ways we live without our loved one.
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst,
illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
The Heart and the Bottle
by Oliver Jeffers
Death Is Stupid
by Anastasia Higginbotham
The Goodbye Book
by Todd Parr
I Miss You: A First Look at Death
by Pat Thomas, illustrated by Lesley Harker
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death
by Laurie Krasny Brown, illustrated by Marc Brown
Other Children’s Media:
Standout examples focused on remembering in grief are starred.
Below, there are other children's media examples to use
as grief learning tools for young viewers!
Movies
Onward (2020)
“Onward” is a Pixar film following two brothers on their magic-filled journey to spend one last day with their father who died years ago. This movie is an honest and heartfelt story from grieving children’s perspective. It also explores the different ways people in the same family experience grief.
Coco (2017)
“Coco” is a Pixar film that centers on Miguel’s journey to becoming a musician and discovering more about his family history. Set on Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, Miguel teams up with his ancestors to uncover a long-buried family truth. This story explores generational expectations and teaches the importance of remembering loved ones who have died.
Up (2009)
Motivated to fulfill his late wife’s dream, Disney Pixar’s “Up” tells the story of a 78-year-old Carl on his journey across the world in a balloon house. Accompanied by some unexpected friends, Carl pushes himself into new adventures to celebrate his wife’s life. The opening of this story explores grief in an honest and sensitive way, and it showcases how remembering someone who has died can make us better.
Bambi (1942)
“Bambi” is a classic Disney movie about growing up and facing loss. This storyline surrounds animal characters and follows Bambi’s navigation through losing a parent and finding love. Though this movie follows animals instead of humans, it is still a worthwhile film in exploring grief and loss, especially of a guardian or parental figure.
Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Based off of Katherine Paterson’s book, “Bridge to Terabithia” is often considered a classic kids’ film, as it follows the unlimited imagination of two friends and the kingdom they create. Following a character impacted by a sudden loss who must grieve while remembering the beauty of what he once had, this story is heartwarming and shows children’s grief in an honest perspective.
Inside Out (2015)
Pixar’s “Inside Out” is not necessarily completely around grief, but it is a wonderful story to help kids explore their own emotions. This movie teaches viewers to have sympathy for themselves, and it tackles loss in a gentle yet effective way. I can see this film being used as a tool for helping kids cope with complex emotions, which is
crucial in the grieving process.
TV Episodes
“Mother’s Day” (1997)
from Rugrats
This is a stand-alone episode of Rugrats, as it explores Chuckie’s experience with loss and how he remembers his mom on holidays and anniversaries. This episode displays the multiple ways people can honor someone who has died. This episode talks about grief and loss in a gentle and effective way, and it does so through a strictly-childlike lens.
Farewell, Mr. Hooper” (1983)
from Sesame Street
This is one of the most well-known Sesame Street episodes, as it provides a concise and direct discussion of death. The characters focus on communal support and remembering to get through the grieving process, and while this episode is quite simple, it exemplifies effective and direct communication surrounding loss.
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“Death of a Goldfish” (1970)
from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
This is a popular Mr. Rogers’ episode that follows the death of Mr. Rogers’ pet fish. Mr. Rogers discusses the loss of his childhood pet and how to remember those who have died. This episode is a great first-look at some different ways to honor someone or something who had died.