I miss you, Grandad by Ann de Bode. Evans Brothers 2010.
Quite straightforward and simplistic in its depiction of death, funerals, and a child’s worry about his grandad. The font tends towards looking Comic Sans, which, I assume, was chosen to make it more child-friendly / less serious / scary.
When goodbye is forever by Lois Rock, illustrated by Sheila Moxley. Lion 2004.
A religious, God-focussed look at death and grief. If you are not looking for a religious point-of-view, the majority of the book can still be of value, with its honest look at death and grief. It starts by discussing other goodbyes, which will make the topic more understandable for children.
Life is like the wind by Shona Innes, illustrated by Írisz Agócs. Barron’s 2014.
A straightforward, yet lyrical, explanation about death, grief, and the afterlife. It covers all religions – including reincarnation and heaven, and non-afterlife – and the feelings of grief, without being explicit or complicated. A good introduction.
All the dear little animals by Ulf Nilsson, illustrated by Eva Eriksson, translated by Julia Marshall. Gecko Press 2006.
Ah, the obsessions of childhood. For these children, it is burying all the dead animals they can lay their hands on – including roadkill. They hold beautiful funerals and, as they are doing so, the older children explain death to Puttie, the little brother (whose fears and concerns are sometimes brushed aside by his very organising older sister, Esther). Cute and uncomplicated, this would make a good text to explain what death is, before it becomes an issue.
Ocean meets sky by the Fan Brothers. Lincoln 2018.
A glorious journey into the imagination, one inspired by the memory of Finn’s beloved grandfather.
Death is not explained, nor even mentioned, in the text – but can be read into it by adult readers.
It is mystical and magical, and more allegorical than factual.
