Books for adults
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How to survive when one twin dies by Vicky Burley
This book chronicles the author's journey from the discovery of her twin pregnancy, with the likelihood of losing one, to the birth of one healthy baby and one stillborn.
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Empty Cradle, Broken Heart by Deborah L. Davis
Now in its third edition, Deborah Davis covers various types of loss, including those from multiple births and pregnancy interruption. The book includes a special chapter for fathers and guidance on "protective parenting" to help parents enjoy their living children. It also provides valuable insights for doctors, nurses, relatives and friends, offering crucial support for parents facing the loss of a baby.
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Daddy and the Two Bears by Gary Anderson
Gary shares his emotional journey through his wife's pregnancy, the birth, and the loss of their twin daughters, Alana and Dana. Gary navigates this tragic time, offering insights for dads dealing with grief and mental health issues, as well as for partners, family members and healthcare professionals.
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Family by Susan Hill
The author, known for her acclaimed fiction books, shares a personal account in 'Family' of her journey to motherhood and the heartbreaking loss of her daughter at five weeks old.
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Finding Zoe by Paula Jackson
This is an inspiring story about the search for baby Zoe, a twin who died at birth and whose brother in Australia finds peace forty years on, after the steadfast endeavours of the author to mark Zoe's life and death, the special bond that always exists with twins.
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From a Clear Blue Sky by Timothy Knatchbull
A survivor's account that details the IRA bomb that killed the author's 14-year-old twin brother, grandparents, and a family friend, marking the 30th anniversary of the tragedy. The book won the 2011 Christopher Ewart-Biggs Literary Award and was nominated for the 2009-2010 PEN/JR Ackerley Prize.
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Our Billie by Ian Clayton
Ian Clayton faced every parent's worst nightmare when a short holiday in Hay-on-Wye turned tragic. While canoeing with his nine-year-old twins, a freak accident led to the drowning of his daughter Billie. Clayton recounts the events of that spring day, his desperate efforts to save his children and the emotional encounter he had two years later with the men who rented out the canoe.
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The Lone Twin by Joan Woodward
This book explores the unique bond between twins, the challenges of individuality and the impact of being separated, particularly by death. It examines the surviving twin's guilt, parental attitudes and the grieving process from childhood to adulthood. The psychological effects on children who lost their twin at birth are also discussed. The book features insights and experiences shared by lone twins themselves.
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Two Worlds One Mother by Kate Baker-Loveday
This book is a short story that explores the emotional impact of baby loss. Through poetry, the book delves into a mother's experience of pregnancy, anticipation and the profound grief of losing a child. Drawing on her own experience, Kate offers a genuine portrayal of this difficult journey and provides support and understanding to others facing similar loss.
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LEFT: When Nothing Goes Right by Chad Donohue
At a routine scan, Chad and Ryann Donohue discovered they were expecting monochorionic monoamniotic twins - a rare and high-risk pregnancy. With only a 50/50 chance of survival for the babies, the Donohues faced a difficult journey through pregnancy and time in the neonatal intensive care unit. LEFT recounts their experience with honesty and resilience.
Books for children
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The Story Of... by Kate Polley
Following the loss of one of her twin sons, Kate wrote her first book, "Sam and Finn," to share Sam's story with her surviving twin, Finn, as well as with her family and friends. The book has now been distributed worldwide with the option to be personalised. 25p from every Sam and Finn book sold will be donated to Twins Trust.
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The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor by Stefanie Parks
"The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor" is a fantasy fiction that explores themes of grief and anxiety, blending them with friendship and discovery to create a magical story.
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A Star for Bobby by Helen Keenor
"A Star for Bobby" is written for young children, using accessible language and illustrations to address the death of a brother or sister. When Helen Keenor's baby son, Toby, passed away shortly after birth, she wanted to explain the situation to her two-year-old daughter, Harriet, in a way that a little child could understand.
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Always My Twin by Valerie R Samuels
A book for young children who have experienced the loss of their twin sibling, whether before birth, after birth, or in early childhood. Based on the author's own experience of losing a newborn twin daughter, the story is told from the perspective of a young girl whose twin sister dies shortly after birth.
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All Shining in the Spring by Siobhan Parkinson
Siobhan based this story on her own experience to help her son cope with the loss of his baby sibling. This child-centred book is designed to support children and families dealing with miscarriage, stillbirth, perinatal death, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
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Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney
Doris Stickney tells the story of a small colony of water bugs living beneath the surface of a pond. Whenever a bug leaves the pond, those remaining are left wondering about their absence. Stickney invites children to explore this mystery and offers hope for the future.
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Badger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley
Badger, aware that his time is near, tries to prepare his friends for his death. When he finally passes away, his friends are heartbroken. However, as they recall the special lessons he taught them, they come to understand that even though Badger is no longer physically present, he lives on through the memories they've shared.
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Goodnight Angel Baby by Amy Pinnick
After experiencing a miscarriage at 24 weeks, Amy wrote this book to help children understand why miscarriages occur and to address the difficult emotions they bring.
Please note: Twins Trust does not have any connection to any of these authors or merchants or necessarily endorse anything contained within the books listed on this page. They are provided as resources which provide bereavement support.
Further support
There are many ways we can support you as you grieve after the loss of your baby or babies. You can decide what support feels right for you.
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Helpline
Our helpline offers free support from trained volunteers who listen and signpost you to the most appropriate support.
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Online community
Our Twins Trust online community is a private, moderated Facebook group for parents who've experienced the loss of a baby or babies.
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Real stories
It can help to read stories from parents who've been through a similar experience. Kind parents have shared their stories here.