# 1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor author Renée Watson explores friendship, loss, and life with grief in this poignant novel in verse and vignettes.

Sage's thirteenth birthday was supposed to be about movies and treats, staying up late with her best friend and watching the sunrise together. Instead, it was the day her best friend died. Without the person she had to hold her secrets and dream with, Sage is lost. In a counseling group with other girls who have lost someone close to them, she learns that not all losses are the same, and healing isn't predictable. There is sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, pain, love. And even as Sage grieves, new, good things enter her life-and she just may find a way to know that she can feel it all.

In accessible, engaging verse and prose, this is a story of a girl's journey to heal, grow, and forgive herself. To read it is to see how many shades there are in grief, and to know that someone understands.

In this enthralling and emotional palindrome picture book by Daniel Nayeri and Matt Rockefeller, a young boy grieving the loss of his mother embarks on a lushly fantastical adventure that illuminates what remains when our loved ones are gone.

All alone

He was not so brave...

His heart needed to know

The answer.

In this lyrical, heartfelt story, a young boy who's lost all hope braves the dark forest to ask, Mom, were you glad you were Mom? Gorgeously illustrated, Drawn Onward gently guides readers through the depths of grief and provides comfort and hope to those who seek answers when it feels like all is lost.

PRAISE FOR DRAWN ONWARD:

An Indie Next PickA Junior Library Guild SelectionAn NPR Best Books of the Year pickA Kirkus Best Picture Books of 2024

THE TROUBLE WITH SUNSHINE IS IT COMES EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU DON'T DESERVE IT.

Dorani's mom, Isa, taught her to be bold and challenge the rules if they don't seem fair. People are more important than rules. But she never taught Dorani how to do it all without her. So, when Isa dies on the way to speak with the principal about Dori's latest revolution, Dori loses her voice. Her grief and guilt become the loudest parts of her.

Moving from vibrant Miami to quiet, middle-of-nowhere Wyoming with her aunt feels like the punishment she deserves. She spends most of her time with their newest horse, Sunshine. Sunshine was involved in an accident that's left her skittish and hard to care for. Tia Ivette knows her behavior comes from fear, and she is trying everything to make Sunshine brave again. But Dori knows grief can feel like fear... and grief is just love with no place to go.

Speaking up for Sunshine reminds Dori that the very best parts of her mother live on through her, and so when she starts to notice that the rules at her new school unfairly target specific students, she knows just what her mother would do...

From the author of the national bestseller, Olivetti, praised by Tom Hanks as a great favor for readers.

This heartfelt novel celebrates the healing power of community and the endurance of love, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Peter Brown.

The Odenburgh, an old apartment building made of brick and blunt opinions, is the last of its kind in a swiftly changing neighborhood. After years of putting up with people and their many problems, the Odenburgh knows there's no point in getting attached. They all just leave eventually. A truth that comes all too soon when the building is sold and slated for demolition, giving tenants a month to move out.

No one is more troubled by the news than eleven-year-old Prue, who refuses to leave her family's apartment. Not when it was the last place she lived with her sister Lina, before she lost Lina forever. When Prue launches a plan to save their home, the Odenburgh joins in--flickering lights, jamming elevators, triggering fire alarms--all to try and bring a building full of bickering residents together. In the process, Prue meets Lewis, an eccentric boy who lives across the street--and the only one who can help her discover the missing elements of her sister's story.

Heartfelt and bursting with a community of unique characters, Once For Yes is a testament to the endurance of love and the people we carry with us, wherever we go.

Funny, poignant and--most important--hopeful. --New York Times

Simon O'Keeffe's biggest claim to fame should be the time his dad accidentally gave a squirrel a holy sacrament. Or maybe the alpaca disaster that went viral on YouTube. But the story the whole world wants to tell about Simon is the one he'd do anything to forget: the one starring Simon as a famous survivor of gun violence at school.

Two years after the infamous event, twelve-year-old Simon and his family move to the National Quiet Zone--the only place in America where the internet is banned. Instead of talking about Simon, the astronomers who flock to the area are busy listening for signs of life in space. And when Simon makes a friend who's determined to give the scientists what they're looking for, he'll finally have the chance to spin a new story for the world to tell.

Simon Sort of Says, the Newbery Honor-winning novel by Erin Bow, is a breathtaking testament to the lasting echoes of trauma, the redemptive power of humor, and the courage it takes to move forward without forgetting the past.

INCLUDES DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting--things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door.

Oddlot Entertainment has acquired the screen rights to The Thing About Jellyfish, with Gigi Pritzker set to produce with Bruna Papandrea and Reese Witherspoon.

This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola, with art by award-winning illustrator Barbara McClintock.

Where are you, Brontë?
The day you left me, I knew I would miss you.
And I did. Every day, every night.
But then, I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever.

Children's book legend Tomie dePaola tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his beloved dog, Brönte.

A comforting and playful exploration of a beloved dog's journey after a happy life on Earth.

In Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant's classic bestseller, the author comforts readers young and old who have lost a dog, as she did for cats in the bestselling companion book, Cat Heaven. Recommended highly by pet lovers around the world, Dog Heaven not only comforts but also brings a tear to anyone who is devoted to a pet.

From expansive fields where dogs can run and run to delicious biscuits no dog can resist, Rylant paints a warm and affectionate picture of the ideal place God would, of course, create for man's best friend.

The first picture book illustrated by the author, Dog Heaven is enhanced by Rylant's bright, bold paintings that perfectly capture an afterlife sure to bring solace to anyone who is grieving.

Today, Brother is taking me up to swim in the lake like Father used to.

I want to thank him for bringing us here, but I can't find the words.
Instead, I loop my arms around his torso, and he does the same back.

Here, in our lake, the water holds us close.

On a sweltering hot day, a little boy mirrors his brother as he takes off his shirt, stretches, and walks toward the edge of the tall rock, ready to dive into the cool lake waters glistening below. Only this time, Father is not here. And the water looks so far away. How can he take the plunge?

With a gorgeous, deft touch in her exquisitely soft illustrations and words, Angie Kang conveys vulnerability, longing, and connection as these two boys hear Father's laugh and see his memory all around them, uniting them in a bittersweet moment.

Funny, poignant and--most important--hopeful. --New York Times

Simon O'Keeffe's biggest claim to fame should be the time his dad accidentally gave a squirrel a holy sacrament. Or maybe the alpaca disaster that went viral on YouTube. But the story the whole world wants to tell about Simon is the one he'd do anything to forget: the one starring Simon as a famous survivor of gun violence at school.

Two years after the infamous event, twelve-year-old Simon and his family move to the National Quiet Zone--the only place in America where the internet is banned. Instead of talking about Simon, the astronomers who flock to the area are busy listening for signs of life in space. And when Simon makes a friend who's determined to give the scientists what they're looking for, he'll finally have the chance to spin a new story for the world to tell.

Simon Sort of Says, the Newbery Honor-winning novel by Erin Bow, is a breathtaking testament to the lasting echoes of trauma, the redemptive power of humor, and the courage it takes to move forward without forgetting the past.

In Hello, I'm Death, children are gently guided through the often mysterious and tender process of saying goodbye to loved ones. The story follows a kind and friendly character, Death, who helps young readers understand what to expect at a funeral and why these ceremonies are important. Through warm, comforting illustrations and simple, age-appropriate language, loveable Death walks children through every step of the journey-helping them understand feelings of sadness, moments of remembrance, and ways to celebrate the life of the person they've lost. Along the way, this story answers questions children may have, offering a comforting perspective on death, grief, and the enduring love that remains.

This isn't a book for grief-it's a resource for connection. This gentle, reassuring story provides a helpful tool for parents and caregivers to talk about death and funerals with young ones, encouraging acceptance, understanding, and the expression of feelings. Hello, I'm Death is a compassionate guide for children to navigate the hardest goodbyes.

What does it feel like to lose someone you love? For one little boy, it's like he has a hole in his life. It's in the bottom bunk, where his little brother, Matty, used to sleep, and it's on his brother's chair at dinner. It follows him everywhere until the day he decides to really explore it. Inside the hole he confronts his grief--the sadness, the anger, and the truth of how much he misses Matty. His friend is waiting when he climbs out, and when she asks, Do you want to tell me about your brother? he's surprised to find that talking about Matty is a comfort--and helps fill his hole with good memories.

A multi-award-winning story about dealing with the loss of a loved one, The Memory Box has been an invaluable resource for thousands of families.

From the perspective of a young child, author Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it's like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died. The child in the story wonders if she will forget the person who has gone. Other days I wonder if I'll ever stop feeling sad you are gone.

The main character creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of her loved one to help with the grieving process. Throughout the narrative, the child's feelings are acknowledged, allowed, and assured that feelings are normal and healthy to express. Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box helps children, parents, educators, therapists, and social workers talk about this very difficult topic together.

The unique point of view allows each reader to imagine the loss of someone they've loved -- a friend, family member, or even a pet. A guide in the back includes information to help children manage grief and offers suggestions on how to create a memory box.

Recommended and adopted by parenting blogs, bereavement support groups, hospice centers, social service agencies, military library services, church groups, and educators, The Memory Box offers a very simple approach to overcoming loss, separation, and disappointment while also giving support and encouragement that children easily understand. A perfect companion to this book is The Memory Book: A Grief Journal for Children and Families that helps children record stories, memories, and feelings as an honoring keepsake to be cherished for years to come.

When a loved one dies, children need consolation, love, support, and affection. The Memory Box addresses a difficult subject sensitively. This beautiful book will help start the grieving process and support children to talk about their loved one in a normal, healthy way. --Sue Atkins, author of Parenting Made Easy: How to Raise Happy Children

Alex Eager lives in Faillin, OR with her grandmother, a retired librarian. Life should be great for Alex, since she finally worked up the courage to ask her best friend PJ if they could be more than friends and she said yes. But their new relationship will have to be long distance, because PJ is moving. On top of that, Alex is worried that something is wrong with her increasingly forgetful grandmother. And to make matters worse, Faillin is holding a referendum on library funding, and things aren't looking good. Will anything good for Alex ever last?

Mountain Upside Down is a beautifully crafted story of a thirteen-year-old girl finding her place in her family and her community. It's a queer-positive story that doesn't center coming out. It's a story of a library's role in a community that doesn't feature book banning. And it's a story of long-held family secrets and resentment that focuses not on final resolution but learning how to communicate again.

With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible.

It's hard to say goodbye to someone.
You might not know what to feel.
But you'll remember that there will always be someone to love you and hold you tight.

Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost its companion, The Goodbye Book tells a touching and hopeful story about saying goodbye to someone you love. Addressing the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it's okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them. An invaluable resource for life's toughest moments.

English-Spanish bilingual edition, The Goodbye Book / El libro del adiós, also available for purchase.

I don't know is an honest admission. But I believe gives our children confidence in a future that can be anticipated.

Over fifty years ago, Doris Stickney published these words in a magazine article, after watching adults struggle to talk with children about death, following the tragic death of a neighborhood child.

Celebrating the wisdom of Stickney's perspective and the story's ongoing impact, the 50th anniversary edition of Water Bugs and Dragonflies includes the original magazine article from 1970 as well as a second article she wrote about her own cancer diagnosis, which concluded:

It's as simple as this: I can withdraw inside myself, pull down the shades and wait. Or I can open the curtains and see what the day promises.

Water Bugs and Dragonflies is a lovely narrative. Beautiful illustrations support the wonder and beauty of transformations found in both nature and human experience.

--Catherine Maresca, Center for Children and Theology

Talking to children about death can be hard. Water Bugs and Dragonflies, a perennial bestseller, can help you to answer their questions.

Doris Stickney tells the story of a small colony of water bugs living below the surface of a pond. Whenever a bug leaves the pond, those left behind are faced with the mystery of their absence. Stickney invites children into the question of their absence and offers hope for the future.

One of the best books I have read this year (maybe ever). --Colby Sharp, Nerdy Book Club

NPR Books We Love 2023 Publishers Weekly Best of 2023 Winner of the Governor General's Literary Awards for Young People's Literature

A heart-wrenching middle grade debut about Kemi, an aspiring scientist who loves statistics and facts, as she navigates grief and loss at a moment when life as she knows it changes forever.

Eleven-year-old Kemi Carter loves scientific facts, specifically probability. It's how she understands the world and her place in it. Kemi knows her odds of being born were 1 in 5.5 trillion and that the odds of her having the best family ever were even lower. Yet somehow, Kemi lucked out.

But everything Kemi thought she knew changes when she sees an asteroid hover in the sky, casting a purple haze over her world. Amplus-68 has an 84.7% chance of colliding with earth in four days, and with that collision, Kemi's life as she knows it will end.

But over the course of the four days, even facts don't feel true to Kemi anymore. The new town she moved to that was supposed to be better for her family isn't very welcoming. And Amplus-68 is taking over her life, but others are still going to school and eating at their favorite diner like nothing has changed. Is Kemi the only one who feels like the world is ending?

With the days numbered, Kemi decides to put together a time capsule that will capture her family's truth: how creative her mother is, how inquisitive her little sister can be, and how much Kemi's whole world revolves around her father. But no time capsule can change the truth behind all of it, that Kemi must face the most inevitable and hardest part of life: saying goodbye.

My heart hurt as I raced through the last chapters of this unique book that shines a light on family, friends, grief, and love. --Lisa Yee, author of Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Sweet or savory.

Fried or baked.

Little pockets filled with love and a taste from home.

Grandma Monona always made the best empanadas for Mami's birthday. But this year Monona is in heaven and Mami is sad. Her birthday won't be the same without Monona.

Star and Sebi know they need a special birthday surprise to cheer up Mami. Maybe they can make Mami Monona's empanadas themselves! But will they be able to capture the same magic as Monona's empanadas if they don't know her secret ingredient?

From Yamile Saied Méndez (acclaimed author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be?) and Sara Palacios comes a moving and heartfelt picture book about the ways in which we carry those we've lost with us always--in pockets of love.