Here is a list of books to help your child cope with tragedy, provided by Alison Urban, Social Worker/Behavioral Health Clinician at our Smalley Academy School Based Health Center:

Grief and Loss

Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories  (Audrey Penn)

A story about coping with loss, appropriate for both younger and older children.

The Invisible String  (Patrice Karst)

A story that teaches both younger and older children that they are always connected to their loved ones, no matter where they are.

Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss  (Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen)

A wonderful and helpful book for older children, teens, and adults.

When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief

(Marge Heegaard)

A simple and reassuring coloring book to help younger and older children express their feelings about a loved one who has died.

Anxiety (General)

The I’m Not Scared Book  (Todd Parr)

A simple and upbeat book for younger children about coping with many types of fears.

Go Away, Big Green Monster  (Ed Emberley)

A simple book to help young and very young children take control of their fears.

Separation Anxiety

The Kissing Hand  (Audrey Penn)

A story to teach parents and children a simple strategy to calm children’s worries about being separated.

The Invisible String  (Patrice Karst)

A story that teaches both younger and older children that they are always connected to their loved ones, no matter where they are.

Trauma (If your child has witnessed a tragedy)

A Terrible Thing Happened  (Margaret M. Holmes)

A reassuring story to help children and parents understand and cope with children’s feelings of fear, sadness, anger and confusion after a very frightening event.

When Something Terrible Happens:  Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief

(Marge Heegaard)

A simple and reassuring coloring book to help younger and older children express their feelings about a very frightening event.