Books About Funerals

The Best Funerals Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about funerals? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Funerals

The Boy in the Black Suit
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

The Boy in the Black Suit

By Jason Reynolds

Matt's life is falling apart until he meets Lovey, who might just help him find hope again.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2016)
272 pages· 67,181 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 9,114 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Matt, burdened by his mother's death and his father's struggles, works at a funeral home to make ends meet. Life feels bleak until he meets Lovey, a girl who's faced more than he can imagine. Drawn to her resilience, Matt wonders if she holds the key to overcoming his own grief. Can Lovey help him find strength and hope in a world that keeps knocking him down?
Danger at Dead Man's Pass
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2022

Danger at Dead Man's Pass

By M. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman, Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Adventures on Trains series

A young detective faces a family curse and haunted railway mystery.

272 pages· 52,385 words· Est. 6 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,091 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Hal Beck, an artist and budding detective, is drawn into a chilling mystery involving a family curse and a haunted railway. Invited by Baron Essenbach, Hal and his Uncle Nat must uncover the truth behind the Kratzenstein family's dark legend—a supposed deal with the devil. As they go undercover, strange occurrences escalate, challenging Hal to solve the supernatural puzzle before time runs out. Can Hal unravel the secrets of the past and save the present, or will the curse claim another victim? Dive into this thrilling adventure and discover the truth lurking in the shadows.
The End of Something Wonderful
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2019

The End of Something Wonderful

By Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic, George Ermos (Illustrator)

Guide children through the loss of a pet with humor and warmth.

32 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 389 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: When a beloved pet passes away, children face a difficult emotional journey. This heartfelt guide helps them navigate their grief with humor and understanding. It offers step-by-step advice for planning a backyard funeral, from selecting a burial spot to crafting a heartfelt eulogy. As kids learn to say goodbye, they discover that while this chapter ends, new beginnings await. Can they find comfort in the promise of Something Wonderful happening again?
Speechless
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Speechless

By Adam P. Schmitt

A boy struggles to find kind words for a cousin's eulogy, uncovering deeper truths about family and memory.

304 pages· 57,723 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,293 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Jimmy faces an unexpected challenge: delivering a eulogy for his troublesome cousin. As he grapples with memories of chaos and destruction, Jimmy must navigate the awkwardness of grief and family secrets. With humor and angst, he searches for a meaningful story to share. But when he stands before the microphone, he discovers that true connection lies not in the words spoken, but in those truly heard. Can Jimmy find the courage to speak from the heart and reveal the hidden truths behind his cousin's facade?
The Beloved Dearly
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2001

The Beloved Dearly

By Doug Cooney, Tony DiTerlizzi (Illustrator)

A young entrepreneur's pet funeral business booms, then crumbles over a lost partnership.

192 pages· 34,732 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 529 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Ernie discovers a lucrative venture in pet funerals, enlisting friends to help. With Dusty decorating and Tony digging, the business thrives, thanks to Swimming Pool's tearful performances. But when a dispute over pay drives Swimming Pool away, Ernie faces the collapse of his enterprise. Can he navigate the challenges of friendship and business, or will his ambitions unravel? This lively tale explores the ups and downs of young entrepreneurship and the importance of expressing emotions.
The Funeral
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

The Funeral

By Matt James

A funeral sparks unexpected questions about life and death.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2019)
40 pages· 609 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.5 Goodreads · 654 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Norma attends her great-uncle Frank's funeral, expecting to play with her cousin Ray. Instead, she encounters unfamiliar rituals and questions about life and death. As the day unfolds, Norma discovers that while not all questions have answers, Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his own send-off. This touching tale invites young readers to explore their own thoughts on remembering those who have passed.
Tim's Goodbye
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2018

Tim's Goodbye

By Steven Salerno

Children unite to bid farewell to a beloved pet, embarking on a heartfelt journey.

40 pages
3.3 Goodreads · 128 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Margot and her friends gather to say goodbye to Tim, her cherished pet turtle. With a French horn, balloons, and heartfelt memories, they embark on a touching farewell. As they send Tim on a journey beyond the clouds, Margot senses his happiness. This poignant tale captures the beauty of friendship and the bittersweet nature of goodbyes, resonating with anyone who has faced a difficult farewell.
Remembrance
Sale price
$4745
Chapter Book · 2005

Remembrance

By Robert B. Fletcher, Robert A. Fletcher (Illustrator)

Explore America's wars through vivid art, honoring veterans' sacrifices and stories.

122 pages
5.0 Goodreads · 1 ratings
$49.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Journey through America's military history with vivid watercolor and pencil art, capturing the essence of veterans' sacrifices from the Revolutionary War to Afghanistan. "Remembrance" offers a unique perspective on the lives of 26.2 million veterans, both past and present, highlighting their enduring legacy. What untold stories lie within these powerful images, and how do they shape our understanding of service and sacrifice? Discover a tribute that honors the warriors who have shaped our nation, offering a fresh view of their experiences and the wars that defined them.
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2012

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

By Jennifer E. Smith

Missed flights lead to unexpected connections. Can fate reunite them?

236 pages· 52,125 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 129,769 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's day takes a turn when she misses her flight to her father's wedding in London. Stranded at JFK, she meets Oliver, a charming British boy. As they share a flight, a connection sparks, but chaos at the airport separates them. Will destiny bring them back together? In just twenty-four hours, Hadley navigates family ties, new beginnings, and the possibility of first love. Can a chance encounter change everything?
The Dead Bird
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1938

The Dead Bird

By Margaret Wise Brown, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)

Children discover a lifeless bird and learn to say goodbye.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
32 pages· 408 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
2.0/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 1,159 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: When children find a lifeless bird, they embark on a tender journey of farewell. In the park, they gently lay the bird to rest, covering it with sweet-ferns and flowers. Through song and ceremony, they navigate the delicate process of saying goodbye, offering a poignant exploration of loss and remembrance. How do young hearts cope with such a profound moment? This beautifully illustrated tale invites readers to reflect on the gentle ways we honor those who have passed.
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