For the Grieving Child: An Activities Manual (Paperback)
by Suzan E. Jaffe (Author), Jayne LaFleur (Illustrator)
"I think it [For the Grieving Child: An Activities Manual] is a perfect resource explaining the grieving process to those of us who are not professionals. The section on 'comforting the comforter' is a very important section that deserves several readings." --Dr. George Grunfeld, Head of Lower School, Pine Crest School, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Childrens Books about Death
by Pat Thomas (Author), Leslie Harker (Illustrator)
When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. This book helps boys and girls understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one's death. Titles in this sensitively presented series explore the dynamics of various relationships experienced by children of preschool through early school age. Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The story lines are simple and direct—easily accessible to younger children. There are full-color illustrations on every page.
(Elf-Help Books for Kids) (Paperback)
by Michaelene Mundy (Author), R. W. Alley (Illustrator)
Well-crafted summary of the grief process, the book has 14 sections of two to three paragraphs that discuss the various aspects of grief, and the ways people cope with the death of loved ones. Written for a young audience, the material is valuable for all ages. While assuming the concept of life after death, this book is sensitive to differences in religious belief and practices and provides opportunities for the young reader to think, to ask questions, and to grow. The illustrations are clever and interesting to young children, they support the message in the text. An introductory message to adults who are working with children offers additional insights and ideas for working through grief.
What's Heaven? (Hardcover)
by Maria Shriver (Author), Sandra Speidel (Illustrator)
"Once upon a time there was a little girl named Kate..."
According to Shriver, the death of her famous grandmother, Rose Kennedy, and its effect on Shriver's daughters, then five and six, occasioned this book, a series of conversations between a girl named Kate and her mother about the death and funeral of Kate's great-grandmother. The storytelling framework can be bumpy ("[Kate] was the kind of girl whose beautiful eyes sparkled when she talked"), and Speidel's (Songs for the Seasons) idealized pastels of mother, child, fluffy clouds and prim angels, while pretty in a conventional way, don't advance the text or open it more widely to children. However, the exchange between fictional mother and daughter is unusually honest and attentive to children's concerns. Kate wants to know just where heaven is ("If heaven's in the sky, then how come I can't see it?") and just how Great-grandma got there ("Do the angels just take you through the ceiling and through the sky?"). Kate's reactions to the funeral are the common ones ("Why are we going to [bury Great-grandma in a box]?... What if she wants to get out?" and "Why did Great-grandma look so different?"), and they are met with sympathetic, reasonably clear explanations about the difference between souls and bodies. Shriver describes heaven in nondenominational terms, with more emphasis on angels than on God, and she leaves plenty of room for other schools of thought ("Some people believe in different kinds of heaven and have different names for it"). If its structure and overlong text make this book awkward for sharing directly with a child, its content serves as an excellent model for parents. All ages.
by Janis Silverman (Author)
An art therapy and activity book for children coping with death. Sensitive exercises address all the questions children may have during this emotional and troubling crisis. Children are encouraged to express in pictures what they are often incapable of expressing in words.
Hugs & Kisses from Brittany: A Children's Book About the Death of Another Child, from a Child's Point of View (Hardcover)
by Cristine Thomas (Author)
A beautifully written and illustrated childrens book of how children cope with the loss of another child to cancer. (Ages 8-12) Join Shelby as she realizes how much she cares for her sister Brittany. She views Brittany as a gift rather than a burden, especially when she discovers how wonderful hugs and kisses can be. Shelby gives hugs and kisses to her family and Brittany gives hugs and kisses to Jesus. An ideal book that opens the door for discussion about the death of a child.
The Death Book (Hardcover)
by Pernilla Stalfelt (Author) "Sometimes you start thinking about death... and you might think death is a big mystery..."
Swedish author-illustrator Stalfelt (The Hair Book; The Love Book) takes a humorous approach to a tough topic: death and dying. Comical watercolor cartoons (their European sensibility includes a sprightly sprinkling of anatomically correct figures) quickly set the tone. Meanwhile, the straightforward text explores ancient and modern burial rituals, terms for death ("passed away," "bit the dust," "went to the happy hunting grounds") and the many theories about "where you go when you die" (heaven, ghosts-there's even a silly riff on vampires). Stalfelt tucks in plenty of giggles (for an example of reincarnation-"What if you become a hot dog???"-she shows a protesting wiener about to be eaten-"Noooo"), but some youngsters may be frightened by the forthright facts (e.g., "Sometimes a baby is already dead when it's born" or "One day you have your grandpa. The next day you may not be able to see him anymore"). With its candid and relaxed tone, the light-hearted narrative may raise as many questions as it answers, and will likely offend some adults with its irreverence. However, children old enough to understand the issues may appreciate the book's informal style, which leavens the weighty theme. From the opening page's discussion of how death is difficult to understand-"It can be hard even if you're really big" shows a puzzled elephant grappling with the concept-to the sweetly goofy "Song from Above" that caps the entire production, this is an original approach to a challenging subject for young readers. Ages 8-up.
What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? (Paperback)
by Trevor Romain (Author)
"Written honestly, compassionately, and carefully."
by John Adams (Author), Barbara L. Gibson (Illustrator)
Lea and Nym are two insect friends who live underwater in a marsh. They play and have fun. Sometimes, they argue. Then one night, Lea does not come home. Nym searches the marsh for her, but Lea is gone. While sleeping, Nym discovers that her friend has died. Through a vision or dream, Nym receives a comforting glimpse of what Lea has become. Follow the struggles that Nym endures when her friend disappears. Experience the beauty and hope in Lea's transformation and in the natural cycles of life. In the process, adults can express their views about life and death while helping children learn about loss and change. The following is an excerpt from the book: While Nym slept, she heard Lea's voice saying, "Follow me, Nym. I'm going to show you where I am." "Will I see you again?" Nym asked. "Only when it's time for you to die too," Lea replied. "You won't see me in the marsh ever again. But let me show you what I will look like the next time you see me. Here, close your eyes." Nym closed her eyes. "Now look at me," Lea said. Nym opened her eyes and saw ...
The Healing Book: Facing the Death, and Celebrating the Life, of Someone You Love (Hardcover) by Ellen Sabin (Author)
The Healing Book is a children's grieving book. It serves as an interactive book, a journal, and a conversation-starter that sparks questions and conversations about the death of a loved one. It invites children to express their feelings, explore their concerns, and ask their questions. It helps children think of ways that they can feel better when they are sad. It also offers an opportunity for children to capture and record their memories of someone they love. The book is ideal for children (6-13 years old) and families facing a loss. It is supportive and delving, as well as a positive memory-journal
My Special Book (Spiral-bound)
by Sean C. Horsley, MSW
An anticipatory grief book for children and their parents, that have a loved one who is sick or terminally ill.
by Dougy Center for Grieving Children
"Adolescence is a time of transition between childhood and adulthood..."
This practical guide covers the unique grief responses of teenagers and the specific challenges they face when grieving a death. You will learn how death impacts teenagers and ways that you can help them. The book also offers advice from parents and caregivers of bereaved teens on how to support adolescents and how to determine when professional help is needed.
by Julia Mack (Author), Melissa Griggs (Illustrator)
