Something Very Sad Happened: A Toddler's Guide to Understanding Death

A Gentle, Supportive Story to Help Young Children Understand the Death of a Loved One

This compassionate picture book gives very young children a simple and honest way to understand death and the feelings that come with losing someone they love. Written for two- and three-year-olds, the story uses clear language, warm illustrations, and developmentally appropriate explanations to help children learn what death means, why sadness is natural, and how love continues even after someone has died. The text is designed to be personalized, with select words printed in red to cue caregivers to insert the name and pronouns of the person who died so the story can reflect each family's unique experience.

A detailed Note to Parents and Caregivers offers additional guidance on how to talk with very young children about death, respond to difficult questions, navigate funerals or memorials, and create meaningful ways to remember the person who died. The note supports adults who may be grieving themselves while helping a child feel safe, understood, and reassured.