Helping children through grief and pet loss
Losing a pet can be one of a child's first experiences with death. This guide for parents and caregivers shares plain, practical ideas for using a coloring book like Benny Misses Daisy to start gentle conversations. The goal is not to make sadness disappear. It is to help children recognize their feelings and know that love and memories stay with them.
Watch the Benny Misses Daisy explainer
A short video for grown-ups who want to see what the book is like before reading it with a child. See the full book page.
How can I use a Wagglewood book with my child?
- Read the story aloud first.Take time to enjoy the story and get to know the characters before any coloring.
- Come back to color and do the activities.Let your child work at their own pace, on whichever pages they choose.
- Let conversations happen naturally.Follow your child's lead. They may ask about Daisy, share a memory of someone they love, or talk about something else entirely.
- Take your time.You do not need to finish in one sitting. Some days a child will talk, and other days they will just color. Both are okay.
- Keep the goal in mind.The aim is not to make sadness disappear. It is to help children recognize their feelings, express them, and know that love and memories stay with them.
What can I say? Conversation starters
You do not need a script. If your child wants to talk, here are a few gentle questions to try:
If a question does not land, that is fine. Try again another day, or just keep coloring side by side.
What should I expect from my child's grief?
Every child experiences grief differently. Some may want to talk. Others may prefer to color quietly. Some might ask the same questions again and again, while others may return to their usual activities before unexpectedly feeling sad. All of those experiences can be part of grieving.
Tips for the grown-up
Please note: Wagglewood books open conversations and give children a way to express feelings. They are not a substitute for individualized mental health care. If your child's grief seems overwhelming or keeps getting in the way of daily life, talk with their doctor or a licensed mental health professional.
Common questions from parents and caregivers
How do I explain the death of a pet to a young child?
Use clear, age-appropriate language and answer questions as honestly as you can. Let your child know that sadness is natural and that happy memories and moments of joy are still welcome. You do not need to have every answer.
What if my child does not want to talk about it?
That is okay. Some days a child will talk and other days they will just color. Both are fine, and you can keep the book nearby so they can come back to it whenever they are ready.
Is it normal for a child to seem fine and then suddenly feel sad?
Yes. Every child experiences grief differently. Some ask the same questions again and again, and others return to their usual activities before unexpectedly feeling sad. All of that can be part of grieving.
Does my child have to color every page in order?
No. There is no right or wrong way to use the book. Read the story first if you like, then come back to color and do the activities at your child's pace, even if that takes weeks.
What if I am sad too, or I do not know what to say?
You do not need to have every answer. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is simply be present, listen and remind your child that they are loved. It is fine for your child to see that you miss them too.
Is it okay if my child laughs or plays after a loss?
Yes. In Benny Misses Daisy, sadness and joy can both be part of a day, and smiling does not mean Emma loved Daisy less. Children can miss someone and still have fun.
Does a coloring book replace counseling?
No. The books open conversations and give children a way to express feelings, but they are not a substitute for individualized mental health care. If you are worried about your child, talk with their doctor or a licensed mental health professional.
Ready to try it together?
Benny Misses Daisy is a 55-page coloring story for ages 5 to 8 about love, loss and remembering. It works for a pet, a family member or anyone your child misses.