How to explain ashes to a 3 year old

[CheesyBadger]

My grandad was cremated in February and my nan only just feels ready for his ashes to come home and be laid to rest in the garden.

Dd is going to ask questions and I wondered if anyone had any advice on how to speak to an 3.10 year old about this. I may not bring it up, she is not going to be be there, but she has lots of cousins so it will come up at some point.

We have talked at length about him dying, and I am very much in favour of honesty is the best policy, but am struggling with the issue of cremation. She likes to talk to the moon and say hi to him as I said his body died but his heart, love, soul etc is in the sky. We are very open about death and she understands burial (thanks to the snowman and the snow dog)

Any ideas greatly received so I can try and weave a little magic into the story of grandad coming to the garden.

Hmm... maybe say when grandad was alive he wanted to stay at home so now he can play in the garden forever?... I'm not quite sure maybe say something about him being turned into magic dust? Just trying to help sorry if im no use x

I tried to explain ashes to DD when she was 3, and I think she understands, but it did make both of us cry. TBH I didn't go for any magic as she wasn't asking about a relative, just a general question.

I have explained cremation to my seven yr old, but she's older and needs information to process things. She wasn't scared, took it in her stride and then said, the real grandad is here and touched her heart. Cut me up that did. She knows that the ashes are just the bits grandad doesn't need anymore.

Thank you everyone! I like the idea of magic dust mixed with explaining what ashes are. I will add that he wanted to come home forever. Much appreciated