Aarvy Aardvark
Finds Hope,
Donna O’Toole, Celo Press, 1988.
The author uses animals rather than people to show that facing loss
and grief is not easy.
Beautiful,
Susi Gregg Fowler, Greenwillow, 1998
A young boy's uncle, who is very ill with aids, comes to live with a
boy and his family. As the two work together in a garden,
the boy learns lessons about life and death. The flowers in the
garden bring comfort to the boy.
Cherries and Cherry
Pits,
Vera B. Williams, 1986. Bidemmi draws pictures of her family.
Her older brother helps her understand the 'seasons' or stage of
life as she plants cherry pits and sees new life.
Lifetimes: A
Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children,
Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen, Bantom Books, 1983.
This book tells about beginnings, about endings, and about living in
between. It tells about plants, about animals, and about
people. It tells that dying is as much part of living as being born.
It helps us to remember. It helps us to understand.
Nana Upstairs &
Nana Downstairs,
Nan De Poala, Puffin Books, reprinted in 1998.
The author tells of his love for his great-grandmother and his
grandmother. He shares his grief at their deaths and tells how he
found comfort.
One More Wednesday,
Malika Doray, Greensillow, 2001.
A small girl rabbit shares the things that she and her grandmother
did on Wednesdays. She shares her grief at the death of her
grandmother. |
The Memory Box,
Kristi McLaughlin, Centering Corporation.
A boy misses the fishing trips he had with his grandfather before
the grandfather's death. The boy uses his grandfather's tackle box
to create a memory box, so he will not forget his grandfather.
The Fall of Freddie
Leaf,
Leo Buscaglia, Centering Corporation.
Death and life are traced through the story of Freddie Leaf. The
stages of life are explored. This book could be used with any
age.
The Tenth Good
Thing About Barney,
Judith Viorst, Aladdin Books, 1971.
When Barney the cat dies, a boy’s mother suggested he think of ten
good things to say about the kitty. But the little boy who
loved Barney could only think of nine. Later, while talking to his
father, he discovers the tenth–and begins to understand.
Timmy Greenthumb,
Eileen Lomasney, Augsburg Publishing, 1982.
A grandma teaches her grandson lessons about the miracle of life.
When a Pet Dies,
Fred Rogers, GP Putman, 1988.
Mr. Rogers, of TV fame, tells the story of his dog, Mitzi. When the
dog dies his parents helped him grieve. There is a good
explanation of the role of a funeral.
When Dinosaurs Die,
Lauree Kransing and Marc Brown, Little, Brown and Company, 1996.
This book does not tell a story. It addresses children’s fears and
curiosity. It provides ways to remember someone like plant a
tree, write a poem, or draw a picture.
|
