A book to help an 11 year old understand and deal with death needed.

[mckenzie]

My goddaughter lost her aunt last year (they were very close) and she seems to be struggling a bit. She's admitted now that she is scared of losing other people that she loves (even to the extent that when her dad takes the dog for a walk she worries that he won't come back .)

With hindsight her parents think that perhaps they shielded her too much for her aunt's illness so her death was then a shock and perhaps it would have been better to have allowed her to see her ill and in hospital. However, that is past now and cannot be changed.

Can anyone recommend a book please that might help her? She is 11.

[EffiePerine]

this is a lovely book

www.amazon.co.uk/Michael-Rosens-Sad-Book-Rosen/dp/1406313165/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=12175006&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 13&sr=8-1

[mckenzie]

thanks EP. That sounds like it might be ideal.

[EffiePerine]

it's not specifically about bereavement, more about how it feels to be sad. I thik it's a honest book as well, nothing about how you 'should' feel better. There's also a good bit about looking fine from the outside but feeling sad inside.

[mckenzie]

my goddaughter's mum is a dear dear friend of mine but she hides her sad feelings most of the time and I think my gd has picked up on this and thinks she has to do the same.
Hopefully this book with help with that.

[Evenstar]

My 11 year old son found a book called Badger's Parting Gifts very helpful, it emphasises the lovely memories that can comfort us later and the fact that sometimes people are too poorly and they are ready to die. I don't know how this would fit with her situation if she didn't see her aunt was ill.

[mckenzie]

thansk Evenstar, i will check it out. She knew her aunt was ill but she was so poorly and in hospital that my GD was just not taken to see her.

[mckenzie]

thanks bb. as you have personal experience of the exact age group I am going to go for your recommendation.