Grieving the loss of a child is an unimaginable pain that no parent should ever have to endure. For families navigating the heartbreaking journey of a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) diagnosis, every moment is precious and every resource invaluable. One way to help both children and parents process their grief is through literature. Books can provide comfort, understanding, and a way to explore emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

Here are four beautiful books that can help children and their families navigate the complex emotions of grief:

1. The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland

The Memory Box is a touching story that helps children understand that it’s okay to remember and cherish the memories of a loved one who has passed away. The book follows a young girl who creates a memory box to store keepsakes and mementos that remind her of the loved one she has lost. Through her journey, children learn that memories can be a source of comfort and can help keep the spirit of their loved one alive. This beautifully illustrated book provides a gentle and reassuring way for children to deal with grief.

2. I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas

I Miss You: A First Look at Death is a compassionate guide that addresses the tough subject of death and grief in a way that is understandable for young children. The book covers the emotions that come with losing someone and emphasizes that it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or confused. Simple language and warm illustrations reassure children that their feelings are valid and that it’s important to talk about their emotions. This book serves as a helpful tool for parents to initiate conversations about death and grieving.

3. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

The Rabbit Listened is a tender story about the importance of simply being present for someone who is grieving. The book tells the tale of a young child named Taylor who experiences a loss and is visited by various animals, each offering their own advice on how to handle the situation. However, it’s the quiet and gentle rabbit who finally helps by just listening. This story underscores the power of empathy and the healing presence of a compassionate listener, making it a perfect read for children who need to understand that it’s okay to feel and express their emotions.

4. Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen

Lifetimes is a sensitive and poetic book that explains the concept of life and death in a natural and accessible way. The book describes the life cycles of various living things, including plants, animals, and humans, emphasizing that death is a natural part of life. Its calming illustrations and gentle narrative help children understand that everything has a beginning and an end. Lifetimes provide a comforting perspective on death and can help children see it as a part of the natural order of the world.

Supporting Grieving Children

Each of these books offers a unique way to help children and their families cope with loss. They provide not just stories, but tools for communication and understanding, helping to create a safe space for children to express their grief. For parents dealing with the devastating reality of a DIPG diagnosis, these books can be a source of solace and a means to support their children through one of life’s most difficult experiences.

At the Marc Jr Foundation, we understand the profound impact that losing a child can have on a family. We are here to offer support, resources, and a community that cares. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, please reach out to us. We offer monthly bereavement virtual groups that all families are welcome to attend. This is a casual group where bereaved parents can come together to talk, share grief-related challenges, and build connections. You can join our Facebook group here. Together, we can find ways to remember, to heal, and to hold on to the love that remains.