Books for young kids about death?

[Captain Catnip]

My nephew is in kindergarten and 5. He is having a hard time dealing with his grandfather's death and yesterday had to be picked up from Scholl because he wouldn't levee the bathroom and was in there crying wanting "pappy to pick him up." Can anyone suggest any good books that may help? Heaven references are fine, they are Christian. Thanks

[jinkies]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My SIL died when my son was in kindergarten.

We got him the book "The invisible String." It is not explicitly about death, but talks about how we are tied to those we love by an invisible string. There is just one page that talks about he string extending to those in heaven too.

We also got the book Lifetimes, which is more straightforward, about how every living thing has a beginning and an end, and in between is their lifetime.

[Captain Catnip]

Sept 14, 2017 6:04:47 GMT -5 jinkies said:

I'm so sorry for your loss. My SIL died when my son was in kindergarten.

We got him the book "The invisible String." It is not explicitly about death, but talks about how we are tied to those we love by an invisible string. There is just one page that talks about he string extending to those in heaven too.

We also got the book Lifetimes, which is more straightforward, about how every living thing has a beginning and an end, and in between is their lifetime.

Thank you. It was actually SIL's grandfather; but he and her grandmother raised her, and the only grandfather nephew knows on that side. He knows that he isn't coming back and that he is in heaven, he also knows that now he is with his daughter, nephew's grandma D.  It happened a few weeks ago and it seems to be just hitting him now.

[crystald528]

I have heard that Tear Soup is a good resource.

[lindyanne]

Sad isn't bad, finding grandpa everywhere

[jeaniebueller]

I am so sorry. Someone bought my DS this book when my DD passed away. My DS was so young at that time that it really went over his head but I think it could be good for a 5 year old.

www.amazon.com/Sad-Isnt-Bad-Good-Grief-Guidebook/dp/0870293214

[turtle1120]

You may also consult with the school psychologist. I'm sure they'd have some recommendations. You might want to ask them if there's a group called Rainbows in your nephews area - it's a kids support group for loss and grieving.

[cleo29]

I can't remember the book my mom got to talk with us about my dad, but it was a longer book that I think helped guide her in conversations with us.

I would also just be there, answer his questions honestly and let him grieve. Was he able to go to the funeral? I think this is really important for kids, to allow them to be part of the process of honoring their loved one and even seeing them, if they want to.

[1confused1]

Second vote for Invisible String. It's a great book for kids who are missing a loved one. I bought it for my kids when my xh and I separated.

[cleo29]

And I just want to add, I know the natural inclination is to want to protect our children from pain, emotional or physical, but that is a disservice to the child in these situations. Of course they are going to be sad and hurting, just as you, the adult, are hurting and rather than try to suppress that or hide it from them, I think it is key to let them see you hurting too. To know that it is ok to feel that way or to feel angry that they are no longer with us, etc.

It sounds like they want to be able to do that and I hope that they do. Children, just like adults, need closure. They need to grieve to be able to accept things as the new normal.

I am sorry for your family's loss.

[eddy]

When my mom died this summer these two books were big hits with Leo age 5. They gave him a framework to talk about how he missed her.

Invisible String

I miss you :A first look at death

[Captain Catnip]

Yes, he was at the viewing and funeral. He was confused as to why no one was crying because he apparently seen that somewhere and thought that everyone has to cry. My family does not have sad funerals and SIL's family is the same.

My mom is going to pick up a few books on her way home for bro/sil.

[liverandonions]

Here in the Garden

[vatoco]

whatsyourgrief.com/childrens-books-about-death/

Also, the Dougy Center has AMAZING resources - www.dougy.org/

[ny96]

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is a great one.

[Captain Catnip]

Sept 14, 2017 14:43:03 GMT -5 ny96 said:

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is a great one.

B&N only had this so this is what they went with.

[sonrisa]

This is the book I got for the kids when my father died. The next year, we were reading it to them when we got the call that FIL died. It gave us a framework for talking about death without crying (they saw plenty of crying).

A rabbit and cat talk about heaven and how their friendship will continue there.

www.amazon.com/Jellybeans-Sylvia-Van-Ommen/dp/1596430354/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505432465&sr=8-1&keywords=sylvia+van+ommen