Michael Rosen's Sad Book: questions to ask and activities to try
Michael Rosen writes honestly about his sadness after his son Eddie died. Michael Rosen's Sad Book is a moving masterpiece about grief.
What age is it for? Michael Rosen's Sad Book is best for ages 6–10. Good for: A father's honest grief, and how sadness feels.
Michael Rosen's Sad Book (Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake)
- Age
- 6-10
- Best for
- A father's honest grief, and how sadness feels
Read it with older children, gently. It's good for showing that grown-ups feel sad too, and that sadness can be talked about.
What it helps with
- Grief and sadness
- Grown-ups' feelings
- Ways to cope
- Honesty about hard feelings
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why is Michael sad?”
- “How does sadness make him act?”
- “What helps him?”
- “Do grown-ups feel sad too?”
- “What helps you when you’re sad?”
- “Who could you talk to?”
5-minute activities to try together
Sad and glad
Draw something that makes you sad and something that helps.
Memory candle
Light a candle (safely) and share a memory of someone you miss.
Free printables: Michael Rosen's Sad Book worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Badger's Parting Gifts (Susan Varley)
- Best for
- Death, grief and remembering someone you love
- Age
- 4-8
When Sadness Comes to Call (Eva Eland)
- Best for
- Welcoming sadness and letting it be
- Age
- 3-7
The Elephant (Peter Carnavas)
- Best for
- A parent's sadness, and how a child can help
- Age
- 7-9
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.