A Child’s Story of Loss told by a young girl whose brother, Daniel, has died, she talks about how things have changed in the family. She also talks about the things she does when she is sad and how these differ from other members of her family. This book has small black and white pictures with minimal text but it conveys some important issues. It would be particularly useful to broach the subject of birthdays as it describes how the family remembered Daniel on his birthday.

Saying Goodbye: A Special Farewell to Mama Nkwelle

By Ifeoma Onyefulu, 2002

Frances Lincoln, ISBN: 978-0711217010

This book has large bright colourful photos and follows a little boy, Ikenna describing what happens at the ceremony after his great-grandmother’s funeral. It gives ideas of different ways to remember someone and an insight into Nigerian culture. A lovely book that could be used in many different situations, including schools.

Saying Goodbye to Daddy

By Judith Vigna, 1991 (h’back)

Albert Whitman & Company, ISBN: 978-0807572535

Clare’s Dad died in a car accident and this book looks at changes in the family, difficult feelings, funerals and memories through the eyes of Clare. It would also be a good book to help parents understand the child’s perspective. It gives good examples of how adults can answer children’s questions, emphasising the need to be clear and honest.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney

By Judith Viorst & illustrated by Erik Blegvad, 1987

Prentice Hall & IBD, ISBN: 978-0689712036

A young boy’s cat dies and his parents suggest that he could think of ten good things about Barney to tell at the funeral. But he can only think of nine, until he talks to his Father about what happens to someone after they have died, and he discovers the tenth. A carefully written book with black and white pictures, that sensitively deals with death and lets the reader make his or her own decisions about what happens after the funeral.

Sad Isn't Bad: A Good-grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss

Elf-Help Books for Kids [Illustrated]

ISBN-10: 0870293214 , ISBN-13: 978-0870293214

Well-crafted summary of the grief process, the book has 14 sections of two to three paragraphs that discuss the various aspects of grief, and the ways people cope with the death of loved ones. Written for a young audience, the material is valuable for all ages. While assuming the concept of life after death, this book is sensitive to differences in religious belief and practices and provides opportunities for the young reader to think, to ask questions, and to grow.

Remembering Mum

Ginny Perkins

ISBN 0-7136-4432-X

A special book written by 2 boys and their dad after losing MUM.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 5 and 8 YEARS OLD

< Previous page

The Huge Bag of Worries

By Virginia Ironside & illustrated by Frank Rodgers, 1996

Hodder Wayland, ISBN: 978-0340903179

Jenny begins to worry about lots of different things and these worries build up and get out of control. She just can’t get rid of them, until she meets the old lady next door who helps her feel better. A lovely story with fun illustrations encourages children to talk about their worries.

Help Me Say Goodbye

By Janis Silverman

ISBN 1577490851 ISBN 9781577490852

Age 5-9

Activities to help children when someone dies or is dying

Next page >

Bagers parting gift

By Susan Varley

ISBN10, 0-00-664317-5, ISBN13 , 9780006643175

A sensitive book helping children cone to terms with the death of someone they love told though the death of Badge and how his friends came to remember him with joy