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Bereavement

Book for bereaved children (age 6-8)

15 replies

GColdtimer · 04/07/2012 12:50

My friend died last week. She has two dds, 6 and 8. I would love to send them a book or something that might help them make sense of this. She had been ill for a long time but the end was very quick and they were only told she wouldn't make it a couple of days before it happened. Sad

Does anyone have any recommendations for this age group?

Thanks

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GColdtimer · 04/07/2012 12:57

I meant to say, I will probably send them No Matter What because I think that is a lovely book. If not a bit young for the older girl.

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zeno · 05/07/2012 10:11

Hello Twofalls. I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

No Matter What is great. Also like Always And Forever.

The best one we have is The Sad Book (Michael Rosen) which is wonderful and goes across all ages I think.

Winston's Wish website or helpline will have other recommendations for age appropriate stuff, and also workbook style things that can really help children process their feelings.

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GColdtimer · 07/07/2012 11:31

Thank you Zeno. Was looking at the sad book so will get that and also check out winston's wish.

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gazzalw · 07/07/2012 11:33

There's a Mog book which deals with bereavement although I guess it's primarily about a cat dying but is very sweet and puts the reality at one remove which might not necessarily be a bad thing for six and eight year olds.

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Leeds2 · 08/07/2012 18:16

Maybe Badger's Parting Gifts by, I think, Susan Varley.

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Leeds2 · 08/07/2012 18:17

Maybe Badger's Parting Gifts by, I think, Susan Varley.

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GColdtimer · 08/07/2012 19:12

Thanks both. Funeral is tomorrow, poor little lambs.

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everlong · 08/07/2012 20:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NiceViper · 08/07/2012 20:51

Try visiting this site: Good Books for Tough Times.

And all the best to you too, at such a dreadful time.

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lookout · 08/07/2012 20:51

Waterbugs and dragonflies is good too. We read that to my son when my brother was killed. And we still read it now 4 years later as he is older now and is asking more questions. It is a neat little book.

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t875 · 15/08/2012 13:02

I am so very sorry to hear this and thinking of you all.

My children lost their nanny 4 months ago, and I spoke to A child bereavement charity ( my eldest was struggling bad) I think the place was called Winstons wish. The book they sent me was muddy puddles. It was very good. Lots of ideas for the children to get involved with.

Take care x

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Frontpaw · 15/08/2012 13:07

Poor kids. This list is from the Birmingham Library services. The Max Veltjhuis one about Frog is very sweet.

Bo, Arno - I Must Tell You Something
After a car accident, Phoebe and Rosemyn are left without a mother. This is a true story, written by the father of the girls and an account of events, which followed the tragedy, as seen through the eyes of one of his daughters.

Bode, Ann de - Grandad I'll Always Remember You
A picture book about the death of a young boy's Grandfather and how the family tries to explain what has happened to him in a sensitive way.

Bryant-Mole, Karen - Death: What's Happening?
This information book looks at the emotions felt by children when someone close to them dies. It gives answers to some of the questions, which may be asked by children who have suffered bereavement.

Bryant-Mole, Karen - What Do We Think About Death?
An easy-to-read information book that deals with life, growing old and death in a simple but sensitive way.

Connolly, Margaret - It Isn't Easy
This is a simple story about the brother of a child who has been killed in an accident, and the emotions the remaining child goes through after the event.

Edwards, Nicola - Saying Goodbye to a Parent
plus Saying Goodbye to a Brother or Sister, Saying Goodbye to a Grandparent.
This series offers practical suggestions for managing grief, reassures children and encourages them to ask questions and share their feelings. The books also give ideas for keeping hold of memories of loved ones.

Gould, D - Grandpa's Slide Show
Sam has a special relationship with his Grandpa and enjoys watching his slide show. When his Grandpa dies Sam cannot imagine life without him.

Haughton, Emma - Dealing With Death
Suitable for older children, this book looks at several different aspects of bereavement and the emotions that young people may experience after the death of someone close to them.

Krementz, Jill - How it Feels When A Parent Dies
This book is made up of 18 separate accounts re-told by young people who have experienced the death of a parent. A comforting book for older teenagers or young adults who have suffered a similar loss.

Levette, Sarah - How Do I Feel About When People Die?
This simple information book looks at the emotions and feelings felt when someone close dies. Aimed at younger children, it contains cartoon strips and easy to read text.

Macgregor, Cynthia - Why Do People Die?
Both children and parents will find this book useful. It includes questions that may be asked at the time of a death and answers parents can offer to help. It is a straightforward, comforting read.

Newman, Marjorie - Steve: A Story About Death
Anyone coming to terms with a death in their family would find this story helpful. A brother and sister have to learn with their family, how to cope with the death of their father.

Nystrom, Carolyn - Emma Says Goodbye
Emma's Auntie Sue is ill and is not going to get better. This is the story of how Emma and her family deal with their feelings and emotions, and how their Christian faith helps them to cope with their bereavement.

Onyefulu, Ifeona - Saying Goodbye
A photographic portrayal of the funeral customs which take place in the village of Nkwelle, Nigeria. Ikenna explains how the village says goodbye to his great-grandmother, and how he plants his own memorial so that he will never forget her.

Perkins, Ginny - Remembering My Brother
This book shows the importance of talking about grief and loss and remembering with love someone important who has died. It relates ordinary family events alongside an account of the family's visit to Chris's grave

Perkins, Ginny - Remembering Mum
A photographic account of two boys remembering their mum who has died one year before, and the feelings they and their father experience both at home and school. A simple book for younger readers.

Sanders, Pete - Death and Dying
This information book deals with questions often asked by children concerning death, and some of the answers that can help to explain this difficult subject.

Sjoqvist, Suzanne - Still Here With Me: Teenagers and children on losing a parent
An anthology of 31 young peoples experience of the death of a parent told in their own words. A very moving and comforting collection of articles for older children.

Williams, Guinevere - When People Die
Exploring death through different cultures and beliefs, this book for older children looks at the reasons for and meaning of death, as well as dealing with feelings and emotions felt by those left behind.



Picture Books


Beake, Lesley - Home Now
Sieta has lost both parents to illness and comes to live with her aunty. An orphan elephant helps her come to terms with her sadness and to start living again.

Burningham, John - Grandpa
A simple picture book about the special relationship between a young girl and her grandfather. Suitable for very young children.

Cobb, Rebecca - Missing Mummy
Using beautiful illustrations and simple text this warm picture book looks at the loss of a parent from a child's point of view portraying emotions such as anger, guilt and bewilderment. It also has a very positive message about treasuring memories and still being part of a family.

Fowler, Susi - Beautiful
A young boy's uncle is battling against illness but shares his gardening talents with his nephew. As the garden is growing, Uncle George is becoming more ill. A warm and understanding look at life and love.

Grindley, Sally - Just Grandpa and Me
A grandson and grandpa spend time together on the beach. In all they do, Grandma is remembered too. A good book for parents to read with children.

Halliday, Nicholas - The Lonely Tree
The story of a sapling evergreen befriended by the oldest oak with the strong message that there is a season for everything and that death is part of the cycle of life. This was recommended by a member of the public who said he found it helpful to share with his children when his wife died.

Harris, Robie - Goodbye Mousie
A small boy can at first believe his pet mouse has died. But gradually, with the help of his family, he comes to terms with his pet's death.

Keller, Holly - Goodbye Max
Ben's dog, Max becomes sick and dies. A new puppy is bought and Ben has to deal with the emotions of losing Max and welcoming a new dog. A picture book suitable for younger children.

Rosen, Michael - Michael Rosen Sad Book
This book is a journal of Michael Rosen sadness following the death of his teenage son but it is also about his love for him. A picture book for older children.

Thompson, Colin - Falling Angels
An unusual look at the relationship between a girl and her grandmother. Sally can fly around the world and bring back treasures from distant lands. She sees the world with her heart as well as her eyes.

Velthuijs, Max - Frog and the Birdsong
A simple introduction to the meaning of death sensitively explored. Aimed at very young children.

Waddell, Martin - Grandma's Bill
Bill and his Grandma look through the family photograph album and discover the reassuring sense of continuity, security and love. A sensitive story of life and death within a family.

Waddell, Martin - We Love Them
A baby rabbit is found in the snow by a dog and two children. They care for him and play together until Ben, the dog grows old. Death is dealt with practically but sensitively.

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daytoday · 15/08/2012 13:56

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend.

There is a book called A Monster calls which is for older children - 10? but is really amazing. Its about a boy coming to terms with the imminent death of his mother. I had tears rolling down my eyes - its about goodbye's.

It's probably not for right now - but its a very special book.

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goosiegander · 31/08/2012 19:43

The Copper Tree by Mandy Stanley and Hilary Robinson is a gentle exploration of the way children may feel when someone they love has died. It gives the message that its natural to be sad when someone dies but also endorses the powerful effects of memory as a means of healing.

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debbiepmr · 09/09/2012 19:46

Grief Encounter is a charity which helps children after bereavement, they have several books, a workbook, memory box and grief relief kit which they use as tools to help and are all aimed at kids www.griefencounter.org.uk

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