This picture book for slightly older children explains how a young boy finds out his Uncle Tim has AIDS and is going to die. It is a serious and sensitive book covering many of the issues, changes and difficult feelings that can occur when someone has a serious illness.

Milly’s Bug Nut

By Jill Janey, 2002

Winston’s Wish, ISBN: 978-0-9539123-4-6

A short, simple story with black and white pictures, of a young girl who’s Dad has died. It talks about the ups and downs of family life and how things slowly get easier as time goes. Milly misses her Dad and things are just not the same anymore. She knows when people die, they can’t come back but she still keeps a wish to see her Dad one more time.

What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?

By Trevor Romain, 2003

Free Spirit Publishing Inc, ISBN: 978-1575420554

This book for older children is a factual guide, answering questions such as ‘why do people have to die?’, ‘is it okay to cry?’ and ‘what is a funeral/memorial service?’ It is written in a straightforward way, with practical tips, advice and information about different faiths and beliefs.

I Carried You On Eagles’ Wings

Sue Mayfield, Scholastic Point 1995

ISBN: 978-0590559393

Tony’s mum is dying and there’s nothing he can do about it. He can’t always put on a brave face and his dad won’t talk about things. Only Clare seems to understand – somehow she helps him keep it together. Then Tony finds an injured seagull, a creature he can nurse back to health. And, slowly, gradually, Tony begins to understand that death can sometimes bring freedom…..

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 9 and 12 YEARS OLD