Books for feelings and life
Books about losing a pet
A pet's death is often a child's first. These books say plainly that the animal has died and that sadness is fine.
Picks drawn from long-standing children's-librarian lists, ALSC notable and award records, and Common Sense Media age ratings, with each title and author checked against Open Library, Oct 2026. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
Judith Viorst · Ages 4-8
A boy thinks of ten good things about his cat Barney for the funeral. A standard recommendation.
Watch for: Cat dies, burial.
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Dog Heaven
Cynthia Rylant · Ages 3-8
Gentle painting of a dog's afterlife.
Watch for: Describes a religious-style afterlife.
Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon
Cat Heaven
Cynthia Rylant · Ages 3-8
I'll Always Love You
Hans Wilhelm · Ages 3-8
A boy says 'I love you' to his dog every night, and he is glad he did when she dies.
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Goodbye Mog
Judith Kerr · Ages 3-7
A family cat dies and the family adjusts, while her ghost looks after the kitten.
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The Goodbye Book
Todd Parr · Ages 3-7
A fish is left alone after a goldfish friend is gone.
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Saying Goodbye to Lulu
Corinne Demas · Ages 3-7
A girl remembers her old dog and then welcomes a puppy.
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When a Pet Dies
Fred Rogers · Ages 3-8
Mister Rogers explains what death is and what to do.
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More lists
Books about grief and death of a loved one
Children are often told the truth in pieces.
Books about sadness and sad days
Children are often told to cheer up.
Books about anger for kids
Anger is one of the first big feelings children need words for.
Books about fear, the dark and monsters
Fear of the dark, of monsters, and of being left is normal between ages 3 and 7.
Books about worry and anxiety
Worry can show up as stomachaches, clinging or perfectionism.
Books about shyness and quiet kids
Shy and quiet are not problems to fix.
Books about loneliness and finding a friend
Loneliness is different from being alone.
Books about frustration and trying again
For the child who throws the pencil when the drawing is not right.