Helping a child talk about grief after a death, separation or significant loss can feel difficult when adults are unsure what to say. What is Grief? offers a child-friendly way into those conversations, with a clear message that there is no right or wrong way to grieve and that every child’s grieving journey can look different.
The book is designed to support children and young people through grief and loss while also helping them build resilience. The adult notes explain how to use the story to explore what grief looks and feels like, and they encourage grown-ups to give children permission to grieve in ways that feel right for them.
Practical guidance for adults includes reminders to resist the urge to fix a child’s feelings, avoid jumping too quickly to positives, stay curious and open, and thank young people when they share what they are feeling. It also highlights the importance of helping children know they are not alone, which may be especially helpful for parents, foster carers, teachers, school wellbeing staff, social workers, bereavement workers and counsellors.
The book appears suited to home reading, school pastoral support, grief counselling sessions, palliative care family support, and conversations with kids or younger teenagers who need simple, reassuring language around bereavement, sadness and change. It also signposts discussion questions and support lines, making it easier for adults to continue the conversation safely after reading.
Written by Jess Sanders with illustrations by Stephanie Spartels, the tone is warm, direct and validating, with an introductory letter that reassures young readers that grief can feel heavy but does not have to be carried alone.
