5 touching children's books about death
Touching books to teach your child about death
Children's books that explain death
Talking to your child about loss can be challenging. Here are five beautiful children's stories about death that will help get the conversation started whether your child has lost a loved one or is simply curious about the great hereafter.
The Heart and the Bottle
This moving book by Oliver Jeffers tells the story of a young girl who must learn to trust in the world again.
Once there was a girl whose life was filled with wonder at the world around her… Then one day something happened that made the girl take her heart and put it in a safe place. But would she know how to get her heart back?
Where to buy?
Oliver Jeffers, $10, Amazon
Snowflakes Fall
This book was inspired by the Sandy Hook Tragedy (illustrator Steven Kellogg is a longtime resident of Newton, Connecticut). The story is meant as a message of hope as it "portrays life’s natural cycle: its beauty, its joy, and its sorrow."
Also read: One year later, parents should never forget Sandy Hook>
Where to buy?
Patricia Maclachlan, $21, Random House
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
This book is more than 30 years old but it's still an amazing go-to when a family pet dies.
My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them...
Where to buy?
Judith Viorst, $15, Amazon
Missing Mummy
This bittersweet and honest story is written from a child's perspective and explores the difficult emotions a child may feel after a parent dies. Most importantly, the book teaches children to treasure their special memories.
Where to buy?
Rebecca Cobb, $7, Amazon
Duck, Death and the Tulip
This German book is a little offbeat (a duck strikes up an unlikely friendship with death) but it's been translated into several languages, including English, as well as made into an animated movie.
"Are you cold?" Duck asked. "Shall I warm you a little?" Nobody had ever offered to do that for death...
Where to buy?
Wolf Erlbruch, $14, Amazon
The Goodbye Book
It's always hardest to say goodbye to someone you love. Todd Parr's book takes its reader through the emotions confusion, sadness, anger, loneliness, but ends on an optimistic note. It reminds little readers to always try and remember the happy times spent with a loved one and that "there will always be someone to love you and hold you tight."
Where to buy?
Todd Parr, $19, Indigo
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