Books

From the simple, honest text to the origami-meets-graffiti-meets-whimsy art style, this book checked all the boxes for our kids ages 4 through 11. In fact, I even found it comforting. We love that it addresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of death, presenting different worldviews. It even creates opportunities for personal reflection by asking a few well-placed, thoughtful questions. I had one crying and another kid awkwardly making jokes to cover his sadness, and it felt like this book spoke directly to both of them. And did I mention the artwork? This book was truly a treasure in a dark time.

I am a pediatric chaplain at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and a spiritual care researcher at Rush University. I am encouraging VA Chaplains across the country and students enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Vanderbilt University to use this as a helpful, thoughtful, developmentally and culturally-honoring resource in their hospitals and communities. It is the BEST book on death and dying I have found.

I got this to discuss with my 6 year old son after he lost his grandpa, then a few months later, his great grandma. He has mentioned this book on several occasions regarding their bodies and where they may be now. This book is beautiful, open-minded, and doesn’t push one way of thinking. It is exactly what I was looking for to simply explain what has happened and to create an open dialogue with him about the possibilities of what is to come. Instead of providing answers, this book creates an opportunity to discuss thoughts, feelings, and possibilities with your child.

I’m an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist who works with children and schools and this book is a must have when working with grief! It explains death with multiculturalism in mind and doesn’t push on a single religion. It also has some pages asking the child what they think happens after death and who they have lost etc.

My daughter was in TEARS after reading this. I asked her what was on her mind and she told me she was crying happy tears. We finished the book together and I must say, I teared up too. Then we had a nice chat about life and death. It is beautifully written and explains the topic clearly and concisely. It’s not preachy about one religion or another, just different beliefs. I highly recommend it!