Pets grow old, just like people, but kids often are not prepared when their beloved animal passes. These books from our friends at Common Sense Media [1] can help make it easier for kids to cope after the death of their pet.

Many kids experience serious loss for the first time when a pet dies. Books that deal with this sad event can help prepare them and make it easier for them to process their feelings. These compelling stories can even help kids cope with the death of a family member or friend. For more books that deal with death and animals, see our Books About Grief [2] and Best Animal Books for Kids [3] lists.

The Goodbye Book

Age 3+
Comforting story about grief, loss, and finding joy again.

Koko's Kitten

Age 3+
Amazing true story of pet loss helps kids understand grief.

Bluebird

Age 6+
Striking, vibrant tale of friendship, bullying, and loss.

Love That Dog

Age 8+
Boy pours his grief into poetry in moving free-verse gem.

The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook

Age 8+
Realistic story of girl coping with sick cat, dad's death.

The Penderwicks in Spring

Age 8+
Charming family series spotlights Batty in 4th volume.

Where the Red Fern Grows

Age 9+
Tearjerker about country boy and his hound dogs.

Welcome to Dog Beach

Age 9+
Tween girls learn to accept change in light summer read.

Paper Wishes

Age 9+
Sad, soulful story of grieving girl interned during WWII.

The Twistrose Key

Age 10+
Magical animal-afterlife adventures of a girl and her mouse.

Wonder

Age 11+
Moving, uplifting tale of disfigured boy with inner beauty.

Sounder

Age 12+
Sharecropper boy finds hope, dignity amid racism, hardship.