Books for children aged 5-6ish.. wish I'd been more prepared.

[Martha200]

Great Grandad passed away earlier today am now kicking myself for not being prepared and having some good book around to cover the issue of loss. DS1 is five and a half and it's the first time he is aware of the loss of someone, in the past he was just a baby.. I feel so for my inlaws, he died 10 MINS after they left, after hours of sitting with him, of course there was no way of knowing as he has been in for a fortnight, anyway, any good books?
Thanks.

Badgers Parting Gift by Susan Varley

www.amazon.co.uk/Badgers-Parting-Gifts-Susan-Varley/dp/0006643175

Granpa by John Burningham is lovely (quite a heart-wringer, but properly so). I like it particularly because it's about the whole relationship, not just the loss, and you are led quite subtly up to the end by (for instance) there being increasing numbers of medicine bottles on the table next to the Granpa's (special) chair.

Try 'Goodbye Mousie' (can't remember the author, perhaps Jan Mark?) I read it to my 2.5 year old when my brother died and she asked for it again and again. Your DS will get more from it than she did - it's a lot about the conflicting feelings you feel when someone dies. It's also more relevant to your DS as the pet mouse is old and tired. It's a lovely lovely story (and will make you cry!)