A bedtime rescue pack
Stories About Grief and Remembering
Honest stories for remembering someone who died, with clear content notes and room for sadness, laughter and love.
Printable planThe Goodbye Garden is the clearest and gentlest starting point. The classic stories that follow are more intense and bittersweet, so check their labels before choosing one for tonight.
Read them in this order
- 1

The Goodbye Garden
Asha and her cat Pip help plant Grandma's favourite flowers beside an empty chair. Stories, laughter and tears give continuing love somewhere to grow.
2 min · Ages 5–10 · High intensity - 2

The Velveteen Rabbit
Velveteen Rabbit, a well-loved toy, dreams of becoming real through a child's affection. Guided by the wise Skin Horse, he learns that true realness comes from being deeply loved. When the Boy falls ill, Velveteen Rabbit shows immense kindness and makes a selfless sacrifice, leading to a magical transformation.
9 min · Ages 4–8 · High intensity - 3

The Happy Prince
The magnificent Happy Prince statue, adorned with sparkling jewels, looks down upon his city and sees great suffering among the children, the sick, and the homeless. With the help of a loyal swallow, he begins to give away his precious gems to ease their pain, discovering true happiness in selfless acts.
16 min · Ages 6–10 · High intensity - 4

The Fir Tree
A young fir tree dreams of sparkling like the stars in the night sky. As seasons pass, it learns patience and wisdom from an old tree and the changing world. Will its deepest wish ever come true, or will it find beauty in simply growing tall?
5 min · Ages 3–7 · High intensity - 5

The Little Match Girl
A determined orphan girl braves a bitterly cold winter's eve, hoping to sell matches for a warm meal. When despair sets in, she discovers her matches hold a magical secret. They take her on an incredible journey through the stars, where she finds warmth, love, and a renewed sense of purpose to share with others.
13 min · Ages 4–8 · High intensity
This is a reading list, not medical or therapeutic advice. Skip any story that does not feel right tonight.