Whether it’s the passing of a beloved pet, friend, or loved one, every child has to cope with death at some point. This can be a confusing, upsetting, and scary experience for children. They may not understand why a person or pet they love is suddenly gone. Reading sensitive books on the topic can help children weather the storm of grief.

From movies like The Lion King to real-world events, children may be confronted with death even before they have to deal with it on a personal level. It’s always a good idea to address the topic of death with your children before their first experience with it. But even if you don’t have that option, you can still comfort your child when they’re mourning.

These beautiful picture books will help your child process their sadness and understand why death happens.