“There is a beginning,
and an ending for everything
that is alive.
In between is living.”
-Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen
Brown, Laurie Krasny and Marc Brown. When
Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death. (J 155.9 Br)
A simple, clear, cartoon-like presentation of answers to important questions,
including “What does alive mean?” “What does dead mean?”
and “What comes after death?” Where appropriate, a range of ethnic/religious
customs and beliefs is included, somehow without becoming confusing. Ages preschool -8.
Buscaglia, Leo. The
Fall of Freddie the Leaf: a Story of Life for All Ages. (J 155.937 Le)
We follow Freddie through the seasons of his life on the tree, until he learns
that death is a natural part of life. No religious content. Ages preschool
–7+.
Levete, Sarah. How
Do I Feel About When People Die? (J 155.937 Le)
Straightforward, factual answers to questions surrounding death and the grieving
process. Death is defined as “when the body stops working,” and
is presented as a natural part of the life cycle. A variety of beliefs concerning
afterlife is mentioned, including reincarnation. Ages 6-8+.
Mellonie, Bryan and Robert Ingpen. Lifetimes:
The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children. (J 155.937 Me)
A simple presentation of death as a part of life for all living things, including
people. A short, beautiful definition of death. Does not deal with grief or
afterlife. Ages preschool -8+.
Portnoy, Mindy Avra. Where
Do People Go When They Die? (J 155.937 Po)
Children ask many people the title question and receive answers ranging from
“They are buried in the ground and become part of the earth and nature,”
to “They go to God…,” and, “They live on in their
children…” Nice simple text and illustrations. Includes an “Afterword”
and “Suggestions for Parents.” Author is a rabbi. Religious interpretation of afterlife is only one of the
answers presented. Ages older preschool -9+.
Puttock, Simon and Alison Bartlett. A
Story for Hippo: a Book About Loss. (Ej Pu)
Hippo and Monkey are best friends and when the wise old Hippo dies, Monkey
is very sad until Chameleon helps him remember the stories he and Hippo shared.
A nice, bright and simple treatment. Good for younger children. No religious content. Ages preschool –7.
Rascha, Chris. The Purple Balloon.
(Ej Ras)
Easy-to-read text reveals that dying is hard work, for the old and especially the young, and how good it is that so many people help when a person dies, from medical staff to clergy and friends to family members.
No religious content. Ages preschool - 8+.
Stickney, Doris. Waterbugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children. (J 155.937 St)
A water bug rises out of the water and receives a new winged body and a wonderful
new life as a dragonfly. This metaphor, with a strong base in Christian afterlife
beliefs, might help a parent to comfort a young child who is confused and
frightened by death. Includes a section titled “What Parents Can Say,”
suggesting how to use the story with children. Ages 6-9.
Thornhill, Jan. I Found a Dead Bird: The Kids' Guide to the Cycle of Life & Death. (J 306.9 Th)
A thorough book that covers nearly all of the aspects involved with the life
and death cycle. Includes sections explaning the definition of life, life
expectancy, the food chain, accidental death, extinction, human destruction
(which includes murder), what happens after death, grieving, funeral customs,
the possibility of the afterlife, and even the idea of bringing things back
from the dead. Some images and concepts might be considered shocking, but still
an informative, honest, and tasteful resource for those with many questions. Ages
8+.
Weigelt, U. Bear's Last Journey. (Ej Wei)
All the animals in the forest must deal with the death of their old friend,
the bear, when he goes to sleep and never wakes up. There's some discussion
among the animals about what might happen after death, and a reference to
heaven - but no overtly religious content. The animals also consider how best
to remember their friend. Ages preschool - 8+.
Clifton, Lucille. Everett Anderson’s Goodbye. (Ej Cl)
A very clear presentation of the five stages of grief, as experienced by an
African-American boy whose Daddy has died. No religious content.
Ages 4-7+.
Kaplow, Julie. Samantha Jane's Missing Smile: A Story About
Coping with the Loss of a Parent. (Ej Kap)
With the help of her neighbor Mrs. Cooper, Samantha Jane is able to talk about how sad she is since her father died,
and then she begins to feel better. Includes a note to parents at the end of the book, covering common reactions
to the death of a parent and suggested coping techniques. No religious content. Ages 4-8.
Schick, Eleanor. Mama. (J 155.937 Sc)
A child remembers the day she learned her Mama was sick, and all the difficult
days that followed. The book stresses that Mama lives on in the girl’s
heart; does not deal with concept of an afterlife. Ends on a positive note;
she will feel better in time. Ages 5-9.
Spelman, Cornelia. After Charlotte’s Mom Died. (J 155.937 Sp)
Deals with many issues: fears surrounding death (death is not sleep, etc.);
keeping feelings inside; cruelty of other kids; usefulness of counseling/therapy.
Ends on a positive note. No religious content. Ages 5-7.
Vigna, Judith. Saying Goodbye to Daddy. (Ej Vi)
Father dies suddenly. Nice depiction of the stages of grief and the funeral
experience through a little girl’s eyes. Clare is helped by a supportive
mother and grandfather. There is a reference to some people believing in heaven,
but “we don’t know for sure.” Ages 5-9.
Weitzman, Elizabeth. Let’s Talk About When a Parent Dies. (J 155.937 We)
Simple text- deals clearly with concepts of grief, fear, etc. Explains what
the child may experience, emotionally and practically.
Suggests talking to a minister or rabbi, but presents no actual religious
content. Ages 5-9.
Breebaart, Joeri and Piet. When
I Die, Will I Get Better? (J 155.937 Br)
The story of Little Joe Rabbit, who becomes ill and dies, is told from the
point of view of his older brother, Fred. Depicts burial and some rituals
surrounding death. Fred is angry and lonely, but eventually begins to feel
better. Written by a boy whose brother died. Ages 5-7+.
Cohn, Janice. Molly’s Rosebush. (J 155.937 Co)
Really nice, gentle treatment of a child’s reaction to her mother’s
miscarriage. Parents and grandmother answer her questions and reassure her.
Includes a good “Introduction for Parents.” Ages 5-7+ (younger
if adult shortens the text while reading).
Jackson, Aariane R. Can
You Hear Me Smiling?: A Child Grieves a Sister. (J 155.937 Ja)
The nine-year-old author details the feelings of guilt, anger and loneliness
she experienced as her older sister became ill and eventually died, after
the two girls had quarreled. The family is African-American; both girls are
adopted. Includes helpful section titled: “For Parents, Professionals and Other
Caring Adults.” Some religious content, but idea of heaven is not stressed.
Pulls some content from Lifetimes: the Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children
[See section on Death- General Questions]- the two books could be used together. Ages 5-9.
Johnson, Patricia Polin and Donna Reilly Williams. Morgan’s
Baby Sister: A Read-Aloud Book for Families Who Have Experienced the Death
of a Newborn. (J 155.937 Jo)
Follows Morgan through the anticipation of becoming a big sister, to the news
that the baby has died, and beyond. She learns that a friend’s family
also lost an infant. A central concept is saying goodbye; in this case the
vehicle is a balloon release. Includes definite religious content. Morgan is assured she will see the baby
someday in heaven. Includes sections with suggestions about helping siblings,
how to use the book, and questions for discussion. Ages 5-8.
Old, Wendie C. Stacy
had a Little Sister. (J 155.937 Ol)
Very nice treatment of issues surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome from
a preschool or early grades perspective. Stacy receives reassurance and information
when she fears her resentment of the baby caused the death. Includes “A
Note for Parents,” containing information about SIDS and suggestions
of how to help siblings. No religious content. Ages preschool –7.
Barron, T.A. Where is Grandpa? (Ej Ba)
A grieving boy asks, “Where is Grandpa?” The answer is “Heaven,”
but where is that? Heaven “means different things to different people
and it’s hard to explain.” The basic message is that deceased
loved ones live on in all the places where we remember them. Nice comforting story. No mention of God. Only vague religious overtones-
may not be appropriate for those seeking a more definite religion-based image
of heaven. Ages 5-9+.
Burrowes, Adjoa J. Grandma’s Purple Flowers. (Ej Bu)
Portrays the close relationship between an African-American girl and her Grandma.
When Grandma dies, the girl is desolate, but, eventually she finds comfort
in her wonderful memories. No religious content. Does not include the funeral or burial. Ages preschool
–8.
dePaola, Tomie. Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs. (Ej De)
This lovely, classic book portrays the author’s very special relationship
with his grandmother and great-grandmother. When the latter dies, Tommy learns
that died means she won’t be here anymore, but that, “She will
come back in your memory whenever you think about her.” A falling star
is a kiss from her. No religious content. Ages preschool –7+.
Doray, Malika. One More Wednesday. (Ej Do)
Beautiful, comforting book. Very simple text and illustrations. Religious
content is not specific to any one faith tradition. Suitable for use with
very young child. Ages preschool -5, possibly older.
Fox, Mem. Sophie. (Ej Fo)
Very simple text traces the close relationship between Sophie and Grandpa,
from before her birth (“Once there was no Sophie”) until after
Grandpa’s passing (“there was emptiness and sadness for a while”)
and on to the birth of Sophie’s own child. Emphasis is on closeness
within a family, in this case African-American, and the cyclical nature of
life and death. No religious content. One illustration shows Grandpa in his casket with many
friends and loved ones around. Ages 5-8.
Howe, James. Kaddish
for Grandpa in Jesus’ name amen. (J 155.937 Ho)
Deals with funeral traditions in a combined Christian/Jewish family. Depicts
a church funeral and sitting Shiva. Child is told that “when Grandpa
died he left his body behind,” and “It’s Grandpa’s
memory that lives on…” Affirms that a child can find his or her
own special way of remembering a grandparent.
Ages 4-8+.
Kroll, Virginia. Fireflies, Peach Pies & Lullabies. (J 155.937 Kr)
Deals with a child’s reaction to the death of a great-grandma who had
suffered with Alzheimer ’s disease. At the wake, Francie finds a way
for family and friends to focus on great-grandma’s life before her illness. Church service and heaven are mentioned. Text is a bit long for preschoolers.
Ages 5-8.
Nodar, Carmen Santiago. Abuelita’s
Paradise. (Ej No)
Marita’s grandmother shares with her memories of a childhood in her
native Puerto Rico, a place she calls paradise. Then Abuelita goes to “another
paradise,” and Marita cherishes her memories. No religious content except the term paradise. Ages 5–8.
Schneider, Antoine. Good-Bye, Vivi!
When their pet bird dies, Grandma teaches children to keep him with them in
their memories. Later this lesson helps them cope with Grandma’s death.
A gentle comforting story. Lengthier text than some; probably not good for
very young child. 5-8+.
Fraustino, Lisa Rowe. The Hickory Chair. (Ej Fr)
Russo, Marisabina. Grandpa Abe. (Ej Ru)
[Death of a step grandfather]
Santucci, Barbara. Anna’s Corn. (Ej Sa)
Ulmer, Wendy K. A Campfire for Cowboy Billy. (Ej Ul)
Bahr, Mary. If
Nathan Were Here. (Ej Fr)
The young male narrator’s best friend has died. We share his memories
and the ways he and his classmates cope with their loss. Includes the creation
of a memory box they fill with special items. A gentle but straight forward
treatment. No religious content. Ages 5-9.
Bunting, Eve. Rudi’s Pond. (J 155.937 Bu)
Based on a true story, this is a beautiful tale of friendship, loss and the
return of hope. The narrator is a young girl whose best friend, a boy, suffers
and dies from a heart defect. She is helped through her grief by family support
and by the school’s creation of a memorial pond (Rudi loved ponds).
There is a rather vague suggestion of reincarnation; families should judge
whether they find this disturbing before using this book. No mention of heaven
or other religious content. Ages 5-9.
Cohn, Janice. I Had a Friend Named Peter. (Ej Co)
An older title, this is included because it is suitable for a younger child,
and because it deals with accidental death. Presents the surviving friend’s
fears, confusion and anger, and portrays a very supportive group of parents
and teachers who help her cope. Text is a bit wordy in places. Includes a
clear explanation of a funeral and burial. No mention of afterlife; the friend
lives on in others’ memories. Includes an Introduction for parents. Ages 4-7+.
Brisson, Pat. I Remember Miss Perry. (Ej Bri)
When his teacher, Miss Perry, is killed in a car accident, Stevie and his elementary school classmates take turns sharing memories of her, especially her fondest wish for each day. Very positive approach. No religious content. Ages preschool -8+.
Carlstrom, Nancy White. Blow Me a Kiss, Miss Lilly. (Ej Ca)
When her best friend, an elderly neighbor named Miss Lilly, passes away, Sara
learns that the memory of a loved one never dies. Very positive approach. No religious content. Ages preschool -8+.
Carter, Dorothy. Bye, Mis’ Lela. (Ej Ca)
African-American child narrator deals with the death of an elderly babysitter/grandma
figure. The child gets answers to questions many youngsters probably have
when they see an open casket at a funeral: “Can she hear? Eat?”
Her memories of Mis’ Lela remain years later. Religious content is vague; Mis’ Lela is “restin’ with the
Comforter.” Ages 5-8.
Fowler, Susi Gregg. Beautiful. (Ej Fo)
Child narrator deals with the terminal illness of his uncle. Good book to
help a child adjust to the sometimes frightening changes that occur with a
loved one’s grave illness and how to stay connected to a seriously ill
loved one. No religious content. Ages 5-8+.
Varley, Susan. Badger’s Parting Gifts. (Ej Va)
This is a lovely book about the death of an elderly friend. Death is portrayed
as a joyful release from a sick or injured body. Badger’s mourning animal
friends find happiness in remembering the things they shared with and learned
from their departed friend. No specific religious content; Badger goes down a “Long Tunnel.”
There is a suggestion of some kind of afterlife. Ages 5-8.
Clark, Emma Chicester. Up In Heaven. (Ej Ch)
Comforting story of an old dog who wakes up one morning in heaven. From heaven,
the dog can watch over her earthly family, and she sends her little boy nice
dreams so he knows how wonderful dog heaven is. Then she sends him a dream
of a puppy, so he knows it is OK to get a new dog.
There is a strong religious theme, but God is implied rather than mentioned.
Minimal text. Ages 3-7.
Demas, Corinne. Saying Goodbye to Lulu. (Ej De)
Narrated in first person by the little girl who loved Lulu. She reviews the
dog’s life from puppyhood to end. Nice portrayal of the child’s
initial fear about death and the process through which she mourns and recovers.
Includes backyard burial. No religious content. Problem for some families- the girl mourns until she
gets a new puppy. Ages 3-7.
Harris, Robie H. Goodbye Mousie. (Ej Ha)
At first the narrator, a very young child, denies his mouse has died and then
he expresses anger and sadness in very simple direct terms. A gentle sweet
story, validating a very young child’s feelings. (At one point he says,
“And I hate all this dying stuff. Let’s bury Mousie NOW!”)
Includes a backyard burial. No religious content or mention of afterlife. Ages preschool -7.
Heegaard, Marge Eaton. Saying
Goodbye to Your Pet: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief. (J 155.937 He)
Designed for child to draw and color on pages. Focus of this book is on child’s
feelings. No religious content. Ages 5-12.
Johnston, Marianne. Let’s
Talk About When Your Pet Dies. (J 155.937 Jo)
Nice, simple, treatment of how pets die and how it makes the children feel.
Covers the decision to “put a pet to sleep.” Ages 4-8.
Parker, Marjorie Blain. Jasper’s Day. (Ej Pa)
A dog’s last day is a celebration of his life with the family that loves
him. Beautiful treatment of “putting a pet to sleep,” which is
portrayed as a difficult but loving decision. Jasper is buried in the yard.
Boy makes a memory album to preserve memories. Ages 5-8+.
Rylant, Cynthia. Dog Heaven. (Ej Ry)
Absolute reassurance for a child who has lost a beloved pet; dog heaven is
a wonderful place. Pets sometimes secretly revisit their families to check
that everything is OK, and owners are eventually reunited with their pets.
Extremely strong religious theme throughout: God, heaven, angels, etc.
Not too much text; simple illustrations. Ages 3-6; or for somewhat older children
who need this reassurance.
DiSalvo-Ryan, DyAnne. A Dog Like Jack. (Ej Di)
Kroll, Virginia L. Helen the Fish. (Ej Kr)
Viorst, Judith. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. (Ej Vi)
Wahl, Mats. Grandfather’s
Laika. (Ej Wa)
Wilhelm, Hans. I’ll Always Love You. (Ej Wi)
Wild, Margaret. Toby. (Ej Wi)
Wittbold, Maureen. Mending Peter’s Heart. (J 155.937 Wi)
Burrowes, Adjoa J. Grandma’s Purple Flowers. (Ej Bu). [African-American; full record in "Death of a Grandparent" section]
Carter, Dorothy. Bye, Mis’ Lela. (Ej Ca). [African-American; full record in “Death of Adult Family Friend.... ” section]
Clifton, Lucille. Everett Anderson’s Goodbye. (Ej Cl). [African-American; full record in “Death of a Parent ” section]
Fox, Mem. Sophie. (Ej Fo). [African-American; full record in "Death of a Grandparent" section]
Fraustino, Lisa Rowe. The Hickory Chair. (Ej Fr). [African-American; full record in “Death of a Grandparent ” section]
Howe, James. Kaddish
for Grandpa in Jesus’ name amen. (J 155.937 Ho). [Interfaith Christian/Jewish family; full record in “Death of a Grandparent”
section]
Jackson, Aariane R. Can You Hear Me Smiling? (J 155.937 Ja). [African-American; full record in “Death of a Sibling”
section]
Nodar, Carmen Santiago. Abuelita’s Paradise. (Ej No). [Hispanic family; full record in “Death of a Grandparent” section]
Note: Books below are in MCPL collection but were not included in the general bibliography.
Bruchac, Joseph. Fox Song. (Ej Br)
[Native American]
Goble, Paul. Beyond the Ridge. (J 155.937 Go)
[Native American spiritual journey]
Heide, Florence Parry and Roxanne Heide Pierce. Tio
Armando. (Ej He)
[Mexican-American]
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3050
Updated:
December 22, 2009
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/endbib.html
