Death has always been an unavoidable topic. In some point of views, death is sad and full of darkness, and adults worry that facing death directly will traumatize children and make them unable to accept it. They are too squeamish about such topics as death, death becomes mysterious and inscrutable in children's minds, and very scary. When a child grows up to a certain period of time and encounters the death of a relative or friend, or encounters the threat of death themselves, their emotions will be completely out of control, and they may even have a mental breakdown. Johnny, one of my neighbors. When he was eleven years old, his father died in a car accident, and this sudden shock caused him and his mother to have a complete breakdown. The boy became silent from then on, and his mother was so immersed in uncontrollable pain that she had no heart to communicate with her son. The boy soon lost his confidence in life, ran away from home after middle school, and eventually became a juvenile delinquent for stealing.
When I became a mother, I had to face my child's questions about life. I remember, my son grew to four or five years old, always pestering me to ask: "Mom, why do people have to die?" Looked at the childish face slightly anxious son, can not bear to talk to him about this obscure topic, every time I always want to put this question aside, but, can not withstand his repeated questions, I have to answer: "If people do not die, the earth can not be loaded." "But I don't want mom to die." "Oh, I don't want to leave you either. Don't think about it, that's many, many years from now, and when mommy leaves you, you'll be all grown up, and you'll be a dad by then." My son was silent, I could tell he was helpless and the fear inside him wasn't completely gone. The only thing I could do was to hug my son tightly as a way to ease his sorrow. However, there are some books that can help children talk about death. We would recommend some books for your reference if you are confusing about how to tak about death to your children.
1. Someone I loved Died-Christne Harder Tangvald
First published in 1988, Someone I Love Died has long comforted the hearts of children 4 to 8 who have lost someone close. It gently leads children through grief with age-appropriate words and solid biblical truth that understands a child's hurting heart. The added interactive resources ensure this book will become a treasured keepsake. Once complete, children create a memory book of the loved one's life. And it offers grown-ups a tool that turns what could be a difficult season into a meaningful time of healing.
2. Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids: 100 Practical Ideas-Alan D. Wolfelt
Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids is for young and middle readers (6-12 years) grieving the death of someone loved. The text is simple and straightforward, teaching children about grief and affirming that their thoughts and feelings are not only normal, but necessary. The book is structured around 100 ideas or suggestions that are easy for children to understand and implement. These ideas cover a wide range of topics related to grief, including expressing emotions, creating memories, finding support, and honoring the memory of the person or pet who has died.
Each idea is presented in a simple, straightforward manner, making it accessible to children of varying ages and maturity levels. The book also includes illustrations and interactive exercises to engage young readers and help them process their feelings.
3. The Heart and the Bottle- Oliver Jeffers
"The Heart and the Bottle" is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. It was first published in 2010. The book tells the story of a young girl who experiences the pain of loss and learns to cope with her emotions. Once there was a girl whose life was filled with all the wonder of the world around her. Then one day something occurred that caused the girl to take her heart and put it in a safe place.
4. Granddad's Island- Benji Davies
"Grandad's Island" is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Benji Davies. It was first published in 2015. The book tells the story of a young boy named Syd who discovers a magical world through his grandfather's attic. The story begins with Syd visiting his grandfather, who lives in a small house surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. Syd and his grandfather share a special bond, and they spend their days together playing and exploring. One day, Syd discovers a secret staircase in his grandfather's attic that leads to a mysterious door. Behind the door is a boat that takes them to Grandad's Island, a lush and vibrant tropical paradise.
"Grandad's Island" is a heartwarming and poignant story about love, loss, and the power of imagination. It celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren and explores themes of grief and acceptance in a gentle and sensitive way. The book's stunning illustrations bring the magical world of Grandad's Island to life, making it a captivating read for children and adults alike.
5. Our Tree Named Steve-Alan Zweibel
"Our Tree Named Steve" is a children's picture book written by Alan Zweibel and illustrated by David Catrow. It was first published in 2005. The story is narrated by a young boy who tells the tale of his family's special connection to a tree named Steve.
The book begins with the boy's father planting a tree in their backyard when the narrator was just a baby. The tree quickly becomes an integral part of their family life, providing shade, shelter, and a place for the children to play. Over the years, the family forms a deep bond with the tree, and they affectionately name it Steve.
"Our Tree Named Steve" is a heartwarming story about the passage of time, the importance of family, and the beauty of nature. It teaches children about the value of friendship and the power of love and resilience in the face of loss. The book's whimsical illustrations complement the narrative perfectly, capturing the warmth and nostalgia of the story. Overall, it's a touching and memorable book that resonates with readers of all ages.
6. The Journey-Francesca Sanna
"The Journey" is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Francesca Sanna. It was first published in 2016. The book tells the story of a family forced to flee their home due to war and the challenges they face as they embark on a dangerous journey in search of safety and a new home.
"The Journey" is a powerful and timely story that sheds light on the experiences of refugees and the human cost of war and displacement. It is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the universal desire for safety, security, and belonging.
The book's striking illustrations complement the emotional depth of the narrative, capturing the fear, uncertainty, and hope of the family's journey. "The Journey" is a thought-provoking and empathetic exploration of one of the most pressing issues of our time, making it a valuable resource for children and adults alike.
7. The Doodbye Book
"The Doodbye Book" is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Laurie B. Arnold. It was first published in 2018. The story revolves around a young girl named Emily who has to say goodbye to her best friend, a beloved doodle dog named Doo.
The book's illustrations, also done by Laurie B. Arnold, complement the text beautifully, capturing the warmth and affection between Emily and Doo. The colorful and expressive artwork helps convey the range of emotions experienced by the characters, making the story relatable and engaging for young readers.
Overall, "The Doodbye Book" is a heartfelt and touching story that offers comfort and reassurance to children who may be experiencing the loss of a pet for the first time. It provides a gentle way to navigate the complex emotions that come with saying goodbye to a beloved companion.
8. A Stone for Sascha- Candlewick
"A Stone for Sascha" is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Aaron Becker. It was first published in 2018. The story is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant tale about loss, memory, and the passage of time.Ultimately, "A Stone for Sascha" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that encourages readers to reflect on the beauty and fragility of life. It offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the face of loss, there is still beauty to be found in the world around us.
These best-selling books are strongly recommended for kids who are scared of death. Except for reading books that illustrate death, get them some memorial keepsakes is also a good idea. Fanery Sue is a leading memorial keepsake supplier in the US, providing keepsakes such as cremation urn necklaces,urn ring, urn pendants, locket necklaces, picture necklaces, 3d crystal photo, etc. Locket necklace can be a perfect memorial gift, which can be opened to reveal a space used for storing a photograph or a lock of hair. If you child keeps thinking about the deceased loved one, getting him a locket necklace with his or her photo can be a great idea.
