Gentle Willow – a tree – is used as a metaphor for a long-term illness / age and death. This is a very earnest and well-meaning book – but it doesn’t have a lot of flaws.
Gentle Willow by Joyce C. Mills.
Gentle Willow – a tree – is used as a metaphor for a long-term illness / age and death. This is a very earnest and well-meaning book – but it doesn’t have a lot of flaws.
Where do balloons go by Jamie Lee Curtis
A metaphorical exploration about life after death.
Bug in a vacuum by Mélanie Watt
Based on the Kübler-Ross stages of grief, this is the surreal tale of a bug in a vacuum cleaner. The bug does escape and live – which isn’t quite what happens in real life. I’m really undecided about whether this would help children, or not.
I miss you by Pat Thomas
Simple text explains what death is, the concept of different beliefs, and the emotions that can come after someone has died. A really good introduction to the subject for younger readers.
Tess's tree by Jess M. Brallier
Tess's tree by Jess M. Brallier, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Harper 2009A heartfelt tribute to a tree, and the importance such a thing can have in many lives. After Tess’ favourite tree is cut down, she holds a memorial service, which many people attend – often sharing stories of their relationship with the tree.
Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper. Roaring Brook Press 2017Elegantly simple and sparse in both text and image, this is a lovely circle of life story, told through the point of view of a cat – once Little Cat. And, as the years go by, to become Big Cat.
My Henry by Judith Kerr.
My Henry by Judith Kerr. HarperCollins 2011.
A heart-wrenchingly poignant story of life after the death
of a beloved husband. Written as a picture book, this is much more suited to
adult sensibilities – although it could be used as a starting point to discuss
adult grief, perhaps after the death of a grandparent – or even imagination, or
the afterlife.
The purple balloon by Chris Raschka
The purple balloon by Chris Raschka. Schwartz & Wade Books 2007.
Written in conjunction with a children’s hospice
organisation, this is a simple and straightforward introduction to coping
around death.
Grandad by Janet Pereira
Grandad by Janet Pereira, illustrated by Bruce Potter. Reed 2006.
Grandad is a vibrant, loving character, who ages through the book. His aging, death, and the funeral process are honestly – yet lovingly – portrayed in a book that resonates with its New Zealand setting. Individual preferences for arrangements are highlighted, and the importance of telling the truth.
Old Hu-Hu by Kyle Mewburn
Old Hu-Hu by Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Rachel Driscoll. Scholastic 2009.
Also published in te reo Māori as Hūhū Koroheke na Kyle Mewburn i tuhi; nā Rachel Driscoll nga whakaahua; nā Katerina Te Keikoko Mataira nga kupu Māori.
Old Hu-Hu dies after flying to the moon – forgetting he was
old. Hu-Hu-Tu keeps looking for Old Hu-Hu, following the clues given by other
insects, until he finds Old Hu-Hu in his heart.
A lovely story of cherishing memories and shared experiences.
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