Daddy's rainbow written by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Becky Cameron

Daddy's rainbow written by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Becky Cameron. Bloomsbury 2022.

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. 

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.

Why do I feel so sad?: a grief book for children by Tracy Lambert, LPC & Elena Napoli.

Why do I feel so sad?: a grief book for children

by Tracy Lambert, LPC & Elena Napoli.  Rockridge Press 2020.

Simple and direct text helps explain grief and the various reasons someone may be grieving. The text does not limit grief to a death, but brings in different situations.

Clare's goodbye by Libby Gleeson & Anna Pignataro.

Clare's goodbye by Libby Gleeson & Anna Pignataro.  Little Hare 2017. 

Everyone has their own ways of dealing with change and farewells, which is gently shown in this story of three siblings moving and saying goodbye to their home.  

Although not about death, change and moving house creates its own measure of grief. 

Fox: a circle of life story by Isabel Thomas & Daniel Egnéus

Fox: a circle of life story by Isabel Thomas & Daniel Egnéus. Bloomsbury Children's Books 2020.

Woven through this story of Fox is an explanation of the life cycle, of decomposition, of the food chain. 

Its structure would appeal to those who need a story, and also those who prefer facts. 

Happy hearts by Jevita Nilson and Marina Zlatanova.

Happy hearts: a heart-warming story about finding peace & comfort after loss by Jevita Nilson; illustrated by Marina Zlatanova. New Holland 2020.

Zachary tries to understand what heaven is like, and wonders whether his Nanna is happy there.
A magical night adventure with Nanna helps him to come to peace with Nanna's death.

Thimble by Rebecca Young and Tull Suwannakit.

Thimble by Rebecca Young; illustrated by Tull Suwannakit. Scholastic 2018.

A treasure of a book.
A story of lessons learned, taught with love.
Mabel's Grandma has just died, and her Mum is helping Grandad to cook.
Meanwhile, Mabel explores Grandma's garden, with Grandma's thimble connecting her to Grandma's teaching.

An ordinary day by Elana K. Arnold and Elizabet Vuković.

An ordinary day by Elana K. Arnold; illustrated by Elizabet Vuković. Beach Lane Books 2020.

A beautiful and gentle demonstration of the circle of life, of beginnings and endings, and how normal - how ordinary, yet extraordinary, each experience is.

In one house, a much loved dog is farewelled; next door, a new baby is welcomed.
Meanwhile, life continues outside.

The hug blanket by Chris Gurney and Lael Chisholm.

The hug blanket by Chris Gurney; illustrated by Lael Chisholm. Scholastic New Zealand 2020.

Also available as Te paraikete kauwhi nā Ngaere Roberts ngā korero i whakamāori.

"It smells like sunshine.
It sounds like whispers.
It looks like rainbows.
It feels like love."

A story of love and family.
When a girl's Nana dies suddenly, she shares her feelings.
As her family hold the funeral, and visit Nana's grave, the family celebrate and share in ways that Nana would enjoy.
Nana was all about fun and joy - and that is how the family remember her. 

Why do things die? by Katie Daynes, Christine Pym and Suzie Harrison.

Why do things die? by Katie Daynes, illustrated by Christine Pym, designed by Suzie Harrison. Usborne 2020.

A simple, direct book about death and grief. The flaps add interest, but also depth to the explanations. 

The balloon cloud by Clare Hanlon, illustrated by Mal Webster.

The balloon cloud by Clare Hanlon, illustrated by Mal Webster. Brolga Publishing 2013. 

I'm sure that some who are grieving would find a measure of comfort in this, but I find it a bit too twee and pat. 

And, in this age of environmental awareness, releasing balloons is not the best idea. 

What happens when a loved one dies? by Dr Jillian Roberts & by Cindy Revell.

What happens when a loved one dies?: our first talk about death by Dr Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Cindy Revell. Orca Books Publishers 2016. 

A simple and accessible nonfiction book about death and grief, with many cultures and beliefs mentioned.

Alfie and the birthday surprise by Shirley Hughes.

Alfie and the birthday surprise by Shirley Hughes. Bodley Head 1997. 

The story of the importance and friendship/ companionship found in pets. And how a cat can effect a community. 

It also shows how wonderful it is to be part of a community/ neighbourhood. 

When the neighbour's old cat dies, the street combine to comfort Mr MacNally with a surprise birthday, including a new kitten.

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. Roaring Brook Press 2018. 

So simple and yet so powerful. Sparse words tell the story of a young boy and his dog. 

It is so sparse, much explanation may be needed, as you could miss the fact the dog dies.

Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour & Daniel Egneus.

Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egneus. Oxford University Press 2019. 

Tibble tries to find a way to get Grandpa to talk to him - to come out of his grief after the death of his wife, Tibble's Granny. 

A simple yet powerful story about memories and connections.

Are you sad, Little Bear? by Rachel Rivett & Tina Macnaughton.

Are you sad, Little Bear?: a book about learning to say goodbye by Rachel Rivett, illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. Lion Children’s 2009. 

A metaphorical and spiritual look at death, and moving into another realm. 

Zayde comes to live by Sheri Sinykin & Kristina Swarner.

Zayde comes to live by Sheri Sinykin, illustrated by Kristina Swarner. Peachtree 2012. 

So many books about death and the afterlife are from a Christian perspective, so this is welcome addition, told from a Jewish perspective. 

Christian and Islamic beliefs are mentioned as Rachel, the first-person narrator, tries to find out what is going to happen to her grandfather, her Zayde, after his death. 

It is a reassuring and touching story about the circle of life.

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley.

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley. Roaring Brook Press 2015. 

Papa's absence isn't explained, but both Buckley and his mother miss him, and talk about him daily. 

Buckley makes boats, which he sends out to sea for Papa, and his mother collects them, so Buckley can believe that they reach his father. 

Simple and gentle look at keeping memories alive. 

The rough patch by Brian Lies.

The rough patch by Brian Lies. Greenwillow Books 2018. 

Both literal and metaphorical anger express Evan's grief after the death of his (unnamed) dog. 

Healing comes through time and friends, reestablishing routine, and a new puppy. 

The funeral by Matt James.

The funeral by Matt James. Groundwood Books / House of Anansi Press 2018.

A child’s view of a funeral – of a great-uncle. A view which includes boring speeches, fancy food, and playing with your favourite cousin. 

Sometimes, funerals are fun and for fancy food and friends – if you’re a child.

If you are attending a funeral with a child – particularly a funeral of someone you’re not necessarily very close to – this might be a good place to start the discussion.