Missing Grandpa: Let's Talk About Grief How do you explain grief to a child? And how do you help a child understand the sadness they see in someone else?
Missing Grandpa: Let's Talk About Grief is a warm and reassuring children's book that gently explores what happens when someone we love dies, and the many different ways people experience grief.
Through the friendship between two schoolboys, children discover that grief doesn't look the same for everyone. Some people cry. Some become quiet. Some keep busy. Some want to talk, while others need time and space. And sometimes, simply sitting beside someone and listening can be the kindest thing we can do.
The story helps children understand that sadness, anger, worry, confusion and missing someone are all normal parts of grief. It also shows children that they don't have to find the perfect words or make someone's sadness disappear. Being there, listening, remembering and offering kindness can make a real difference.
Importantly, the book talks about death honestly and in language children can understand, while leaving them with a reassuring message of love, connection and hope.
Missing Grandpa is designed to help parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers open conversations about death and grief in a natural, age-appropriate way. It can be read together, discussed afterwards, or simply shared with a child who is trying to make sense of a loss.
This is Book 4 in Fiona Birrell's Let's Talk About Series, a collection of children's books created to help young readers understand the big feelings and difficult experiences that can be hard to talk about.
Alongside Mr Wilson Is My Friend: Let's Talk About Change, Mummy Misses Grandma: Let's Talk About Aging, and That Doesn't Worry Me Anymore, Missing Grandpa gives children a safe and approachable way to begin conversations that matter.
A gentle story about grief, friendship, kindness and the lasting power of love and memories.