The three books helping Jock Zonfrillo’s children cope with death of their dad

The late Masterchef judge’s wife, Lauren Fried, has shared the emotional children’s books that she’s reading to her children, Alfie, 5, and Isla, 2, to teach them about the loss of their father.

The wife of late Masterchef judge Jock Zonfrillo has spoken out about the way she is helping her two children deal with the sudden death of their father.

The restaurateur and TV personality died in Melbourne on Sunday, April 30.

The 46-year-old left behind his wife, Lauren Fried, and their two children together, son Alfie, 5, and daughter Isla, 2.

Jock was also the father to two teenage girls, Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages. 

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Jock Zonfrillo died in April, leaving behind his wife and four children. Source: Instagram.

Jock's wife speaks out about grief

A month after his passing, Fried took to her late husband’s Instagram account, thanking fans across the world for their support.

Fried hinted that she was struggling with the decision to continue Zonfrillo’s social media and share the many exciting projects they had been working on.

It now appears she will continue his accounts and work, as well as glimpses of her life after his death.

Last week she posted a carousel of images of her two children, on the beach, and in their mum’s arms, with the caption, “time together. Being close, letting them wander.”

RELATED: Jock Zonfrillo’s daughter breaks silence in heartbreaking tribute to late dad

Lauren Fried shared recent images with her two children. Source: Instagram.

"Books have been a bridge to help me explain"

On Tuesday she revealed the books she was using to help her children cope with their dad's shock death.

Fried posted the front covers of three children’s books she had been using to help them with their grief.

The first was The Invisible String, by Patrice Karst, the second was The Goodbye Book, by Todd Parr, and the third was Beginnings and Endings with Lifetimes in Between by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen.

Alongside the images she wrote “books have been a bridge to help me explain to our little ones what has happened, what they are feeling, and that love is always around them. These are the top three (of many purchases) that the kids have connected with.”

The books Lauren Fried is using to help kids cope with death of dad Jock Zonfrillo. Source: Instagram.

Books have "greatly helped" fans as well 

Fans in the comment section wrote that they related to the books, and thanked Lauren for the insight.

“The Invisible String is a beautiful book. My girls loved that book when they were young. Helped to explain when those you love aren’t always with you, you are always still connected," one person wrote. 

A second user added, "Thank you for sharing. The Invisible String is one we relate to... Sadly my 18yo daughter took her life three months ago and my 10yo just talked about The Invisible String as a coping technique on returning to school."

While another mum said "I have two of those three to explain to my 4 year old and they have greatly helped explain loss and grief. Sending love to you and please look after you too."

Others offered suggestions including, The Memory Tree as "another great book" for grief. 

Originally published as The three books helping Jock Zonfrillo’s children cope with death of their dad