Families who loved The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing any kind of separation, whether it is the loss of a pet, a friend moving away, or a death in the family. Todd Parr uses his signature bold illustrations and gentle humor to validate the confusing mix of emotions that follow a goodbye. The book moves through sadness, anger, and the physical symptoms of grief, such as not wanting to eat or sleep, before landing on a message of hope. Because the book uses a pet fish as a vessel for the story, it remains accessible for toddlers and preschoolers without becoming overwhelming. It is a secular, open-ended resource that focuses on the child's internal experience rather than the specific logistics of loss. It is the perfect choice for parents who want to normalize big feelings and reassure their child that they will always be supported through hard times.