For Children's Grief Awareness Week 2022, we are highlighting some books to help 5-8 year olds understand grief and loss.

1 child in every UK classroom under the age of 16 has been bereaved of a parent or sibling*. Reading books about death, grief and loss can help children to understand what has happened and their emotions. This selection of books are designed to help them cope during a difficult time.

Mum's Jumper by Jayde Perkin

This thoughtful and sensitive picture book is centred around the way grief feels, and how the death of a parent for a young child can be handled well. It offers a touching portrayal of how we can remember those close to us that have died.

Grandpa was an Astronaut by Jonathan Meres

Presented as an illustrated story for newly-independent readers, Grandpa was an Astronaut is about the adventures of Sherman and his Grandpa. It provides a familiar story to youngsters who have a close relationship with a grandparent. The story provides an engaging mix of fantasy and pretend play but also touches on the inevitability of loss and the value of making memories.

Sad Book by Michael Rosen

The subject of bereavement is treated in an unusual way in Sad Book by Michael Rosen, as it deals with the death of the author's own son. The accompanying illustrations by Quentin Blake complement the book perfectly.

The Cat Mummy by Jacqueline Wilson

The Cat Mummy book is about Mabel the cat, who belonged to Verity's mum who died when Verity was born. Sadly, Mabel goes missing and Verity finds her curled up at the bottom of the wardrobe having died peacefully. The book focuses on the traumatic experience of losing a pet and also that the family never came to terms with the death of Verity's mum.

*Source: Children's Grief Awareness Week