Stories and books can play a powerful role in supporting children. They can:

• Help children connect with others in similar real-life situations
• Create a sense of emotional distance and safety, allowing children to explore feelings gently
• Reduce feelings of isolation, stigma, and loneliness
• Support children to identify with characters – their needs, wishes, worries and frustrations
• Encourage insight as children begin to recognise shared experiences and make sense of their own
• Foster a gradual process of understanding and integration over time, as children see themselves and important people in their lives reflected in stories

Used sensitively, stories can help children feel acknowledged, validated, and reassured in their experiences.

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A Note on Timing and Readiness:

When a child experiences a significant life event, adults, particularly parents, carers and teachers, may look for a book to help explain what has happened. While this instinct comes from a place of care, it is important to consider whether it is the right time for the child.

For some children, introducing a book too soon may feel overwhelming or too close to their experience.

Adults should carefully consider:

• The timing of introducing a resource
• The child’s readiness and ability to engage
• The availability of support during and after reading

Exploring themes such as death or loss in a classroom setting is often more appropriate:

• As part of the broader curriculum – and
• At a time when no child is experiencing a recent or significant loss

Without this consideration, such discussions can sometimes:

• Feel confronting
• Increase self-consciousness
• Activate strong feelings in an environment that may not feel sufficiently supportive

For this reason, it is important that engagement with these materials occurs in ways that help children feel safe, supported, and understood.

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Important Note:

The resources featured on this page are provided for information and accessibility only. While they have been identified as potentially helpful, they are not formally endorsed or recommended by Rainbows Ireland. Adults are encouraged to use their own personal and professional judgement, alongside their knowledge of the child, when selecting and using any resource.

We recognise that books and materials addressing grief and loss can sometimes be emotionally activating. A trauma-informed approach is essential – prioritising safety, sensitivity and the individual needs of each child.

Adults are encouraged to:

• Read alongside the child where possible
• Create space to listen, connect and acknowledge feelings
• Offer reassurance and gentle support
• Follow the child’s lead in how much they wish to engage or share

What is helpful for one child may not be right for another. Ongoing, supportive connection is key.

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About These Resources:

In early 2026, Rainbows Ireland collaborated with OTB to create a single, accessible hub where families, schools and professionals can easily find books and resources aligned with the organisation’s work and aims.

This page brings together a curated selection of materials in one place.

Some resources are available as free downloads (clearly marked at €0.00), giving immediate access. Others are available to purchase, with a 10% discount code (updated regularly through the Rainbows Ireland newsletter and website)

To support easy navigation, resources are organised into the following two topics:

• Death & Bereavement
• Divorce & Separation

Each section is further divided by age range. Some resources may appear in more than one category where relevant and appropriate.

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About Rainbows Ireland:

Rainbows Ireland is a national organisation, approaching 40 years of supporting children and young people by 2027, through experiences of grief, loss and change. The organisation works with children and young people aged 7 to 17 through structured, peer-support programmes delivered across a network of registered Rainbows Centres.

Their programmes provide a safe, supportive environment where children can:

• Share their experiences with others who understand
• Explore and express their feelings
• Start to find ways to adapt to the changes they have experienced

Rainbows Ireland work is grounded in practice wisdom, shaped by decades of experience with children and families and supported by ongoing learning and development. They also provide training and workshops for parents, schools, communities and professionals.

Further information is available on the Rainbows Ireland Website.

There are also some fantastic support organisations’ websites listed on this page – Click HERE to see these.