This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a little boy who’s told that his pet mouse has died. At first he doesn’t believe it, thinking it is just asleep, but by asking lots of questions and with the help of his family he begins to accept Mousie’s death. This is a great story and would be very helpful to introduce death to young children

I Miss You: A First Look at Death

By Pat Thomas & illustrated by Lesley Harker, 2001

Barron’s Educational Series, ISBN: 978-0764117640

This bright and colourful picture book very simply talks about life and death. It briefly covers a range of issues such as why people die, how you may feel when someone dies and what happens afterwards. It includes questions for the reader to answer about their own experiences and a section at the back for adults on how to best use the book.

When Uncle Bob Died (Talking it Through)

By Althea & illustrated by Lisa Kopper, 2001

Happy Cat Books Ltd,

A young boy talks about death and about Uncle Bob who died from an illness. It clearly explains some basic facts such as what ‘dead’ means and what a funeral is. It also talks about feelings and memories. This small picture book would be a good starting point for very young children with lots of opportunity for further discussion.

Dear Grandma Bunny

Written and Illustrated by Dick Bruna, 1996

SBN: 978-1405219013

Suitable for very young children this book tells the story of what happened and how Miffy felt and coped when Grandma died.

A Place in my Heart

By Annette Aubrey

ISBN 978-1-84835-004-5

A book to help children explore their feelings. The boy in the story feels sad and confused after the loss of his grand-dad.

When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry

By Molly Bang

ISBN-10: 0439598451, ISBN-13: 978-0439598453

When a young child becomes frustrated, uncontrolled rage often follows. How can a parent help? I suggest reading this book together and discussing it while your child is in a good mood.

The book deals with a typical cause of childhood rage -- being asked to share when a child doesn't want to.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5

By Debi Gliori, 2003 New Edition (Paperback)

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, ISBN: 978-0747563310

A rhyming story with large, bright pictures about a Small, a young fox who is feeling cross because no one loves him. Large, then reassures him that she’ll love him no matter what. A fun and imaginative book that only briefly talks about death but would be a useful story to help support a young child through difficult times.

No Matter What

Heaven

Written by Nicholas Allan, 2006, Red Fox

ISBN: 978-0099653417

Dill, the dog, knows his time is up, so he packs his case and tells Lily, his owner that he's off "up there". "Can I come too?" asks Lily. "Er...not yet," replies Dill. While he is waiting for the angels to collect him, Dill explains to Lily what he thinks heaven is like: hundreds of lampposts to pee against, lots of whiffy things to smell and bones everywhere

A Star for Bobby

By Helen Keenor

ISBN 0954693213 ISBN 978-0954693213

A book specially written for young children about the death of a brother or sister, using bobby the bird to illustrate the point.

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