The grandmother's death is not explained, but quietly incorporated into the story. I appreciate how the grandson knows to reach for help in his sorrow.
The story moves on, with more generations.
The more you give by Marcy Campbell and Francesca Sanna.
The more you give by Marcy Campbell and Francesca Sanna. 
A beautiful story of continuity and love, with lessons passed down through the generations.
Dadaji's paintbrush written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane
Dadaji's paintbrush written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane. Andersen Press 2022.
Sometimes, the only way to deal with the absence of a loved one is to lock things away - be they memories or physical objects.
The boy copes with the death of his grandfather, Dadaji, by locking everything away. The paintings. The paint. The paintbrush. And his joy and creativity.
A small child reminds him of their shared past, and helps him rediscover his Dadaji and his memories and joy.
Rodney was a tortoise written by Nan Forler, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang.
The overwhelming aloneness of unshared grief, and the importance of someone who reaches out, who understands.
Bernadette and Rodney have a wonderful relationship, and Bernadette's grief at his death is poignantly shown.
Daddy's rainbow written by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Becky Cameron
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So much is said in the spaces, in the illustrations.
Daddy does not die suddenly, so there are moments as he becomes weaker, as they visit in hospital. Then, slowly, as they come through the thick blanket of grey, to be able to see colour again.
There is no discernable timeframe to this.
How my koro became a star by Brianne Te Paa; illustrated by Story Hemi Moorhouse
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How my koro became a star written by Brianne Te Paa; illustrated by Story Hemi Moorhouse. Huia Publishers 2022.
A true taonga.
Rituals passed down and shared.
The significance and importance of these farewell rituals is integrated beautifully within the story.
The sorrow and shared experiences / memories of a passed loved one are gently shown.
It's ok that you're not ok
Personal,
no nonsense advice for those grieving and those supporting them.
Platitudes are, at best, useless.
Grief doesn't get better. We live with it, grow around it, carry it
differently. But it is there, forever.
If I could recommend only one book for supporters of those grieving — this
would be it.
If I could recommend only one book for those grieving — this would be it.
Her mother's face written by Roddy Doyle, illustrated by Freya Blackwood.
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Her mother's face written by Roddy Doyle, illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008.
Grief and sadness do not just stop.
The long tendrils of grief and of missing someone are beautifully shown in this sophisticated picture book.
Deft and subtle touches in the illustrations add to the pathos, melancholia, bittersweetness - and hope.
A shelter for sadness by Anne Booth & David Litchfield.
A picture book exploring the place of sadness in a life,
letting sadness have a place - showing that sadness is legitimate and normal.
The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy.
Ostensibly a story of friendship, many of the lessons / observances are applicable to living through grief.
It reminded me of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull, but even more poignant and powerful.
Life is like the wind by Shona Innes & Írisz Agócs.
Life is like the wind by Shona Innes & Írisz Agócs. Barron’s Educational Series 2014. 
Simple text introduces the idea that life is transitory, and different beliefs about life and death.
It also discusses how people might feel, and different ways of coping.
Simple text introduces the idea that life is transitory, and different beliefs about life and death.
It also discusses how people might feel, and different ways of coping.
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