Books for children and young people – World Book Day
To mark World Book Day on 6 March, Part of Life guest blogger, Amy Jackson, explores some of the most popular children’s books on death, dying and grief.
We know that death and dying is a taboo topic for most adults, but this is especially the case when it comes to how adults talk to children and young people. But death is part of life, so what happens when children come face to face with the inevitable loss of a loved one?
It’s estimated that 46,300 dependent children aged 0-17 are bereaved of a parent each year, (around 127 newly bereaved children each day) while one in 29, 5-16 year-olds have been bereaved of a parent or sibling; this equates to one child in every average class (Child Bereavement UK).
Books can be a useful tool when it comes to supporting children through grief and bereavement, helping them to process emotions they may find difficult to navigate.
1: My Many Coloured Days – Dr Seuss
For children aged 3-5 years
With vibrant colours and illustrations, My Many Coloured Days takes readers on the journey of different emotions, represented by different animals, teaching children that it’s normal and okay to experience different emotions at different times.
2: Mum’s Jumper – Jayde Perkin
For children aged 5+
Mum’s Jumper tells the story of a little girl struggling to adjust after the death of her mum. After she finds one of her mum’s jumpers in her belongings she begins to wear it every day, learning that while her grief doesn’t necessarily get smaller, like the jumper, she will grow into it. With bright illustrations and a sweet message, the story teaches children that while feelings of loss don’t truly go away, we can grow and adapt around them.
3: What Does Dead Mean? – Caroline Jay & Jenni Thomas
For children aged 4-7 years
Designed to answer the more difficult questions around death and dying, this beautifully illustrated book addresses real questions that children have asked and deals with them thoughtfully and sensitively, along with prompts to encourage conversation and creativity to help children explore their feelings.
4: Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute? – Elke and Alex Barber
For children aged 3-7 years
Author Elke Barber wrote Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute? based on a genuine conversation with her then three-year-old son, Alex, following the sudden death of his dad. Providing clear and truthful answers to some of the most difficult questions following the sudden death of a loved one, the book reassures children that it’s okay to be sad, but it’s also okay to be happy too.
5: What Happened to Daddy’s Body? – Elke and Alex Barber
For children aged 3-7 years
The sequel to Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?, the book again explores real life conversations between the author and her son, addressing the topic of what happens to someone’s body after death. Teaching children about burial, cremation, and spreading ashes, the book can be a useful tool in supporting children who are confused or inquisitive about what happens after death in a way that they can understand.
6: You Will Be Okay – Julie Stokes
For children aged 9-12 years
Written by Winston’s Wish founder and clinical psychologist Julie Stokes, You Will Be Okay is a gentle guide for older children experiencing feelings of grief and loss.
Complete with practical exercises such as writing down memories of the person who’s died, and inspiring stories from others who have experienced the loss of a loved one, this book is designed to help children find strength and process their feelings in a healthy way.
7: The Girl Who Became a Tree – Joseph Coelho
For older children aged 12-14 years
Weaving the ancient Greek myth of Daphne and Apollo into a modern-day tale of grief and loss, The Girl Who Became a Tree tells the story of a 14-year-old girl who, while reeling from the death of her father, becomes lost in the tangled woods of her own grief and anger.
8: The Goodbye Book – Todd Parr
For children aged 3-6 years
Told through the point of view of a pet fish who has lost his companion, this bright and colourful book tells a poignant story about saying goodbye and the range of emotions that children may experience, whilst reassuring them that someone will always be there to support them.
9: The Invisible String – Patrice Karst
For children aged 3-6 years
A highly recommended resource among parents, teachers, social workers and therapists for children, The Invisible String is a comforting and reassuring read for children facing any form of separation anxiety, exploring the unbreakable connections between loved ones.
10: Summer Bird Blue - Akemi Dawn Bowman
For older children aged 10-18 years
An emotional depiction of survival in the face of devastating grief, and the healing powers of music, Summer Bird Blue tells the story of Rumi, who struggles with the loss of her sister in a car accident that she and her mother survived. Following Rumi as she navigates complex feelings of anger and grief, the novel details her journey back to what she loves most.
Additional resources:
Dorothy House Hospice Care – Children and Young People’s Bereavement
