A simple, moving story of a whanau’s grieving and mourning process. Deeply embedded in tikanga Māori (protocol) around death and birth. The cycle of life is recognised with the birth of a new child – named after Koro Jack.
Haere: Farewell, Jack, farewell by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Huhana Smith
A simple, moving story of a whanau’s grieving and mourning process. Deeply embedded in tikanga Māori (protocol) around death and birth. The cycle of life is recognised with the birth of a new child – named after Koro Jack.
Brodie by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Chris Mousdale
A story of friendship as the young narrator shares his time with his classmate, Brodie, who has long-term health issues, which lead to his death.
An ultimately life-affirming story, about the importance of friendship, and the lengthy, yet changing, nature of grief.
Gentle Willow by Joyce C. Mills.
Pillo. Magination Press 2004.
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 does 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
A 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
Elegantly 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.
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
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 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.
The lilac ladies by Jenny Hughes
A lovely story of four friends who rely on Nelly to make
everything right – until Nelly can’t help any more. They gather at Nelly’s to
reminiscence and let Nelly go. How will be they continue without her? Well, she
wouldn’t want them to wallow – so they pick themselves up and carry on - and in the memory of their very dear friend, Nelly.
The goodbye book by Todd Parr
Although not specifically looking at death – this is a
wonderful book looking at the feelings around a loss.
City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems
A story of friendship and changing times and seasons – the
life cycle.
City Dog and Country Frog become friends one spring, and play in summer and autumn, when City Dog visits the country. Come winter, Country Frog has gone, and City Dog waits and misses his friend.
The next spring, Country Chipmunk meets City Dog.
Although lovely and touching, it is not explicitly about death and grief.
City Dog and Country Frog become friends one spring, and play in summer and autumn, when City Dog visits the country. Come winter, Country Frog has gone, and City Dog waits and misses his friend.
The next spring, Country Chipmunk meets City Dog.
Although lovely and touching, it is not explicitly about death and grief.
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