Grief and loss seen through 6-8 year old eyes are often characterized by a mix of confusion, literal thinking, and a search for tangible explanations. At this age, children may struggle with the concept of permanence in death and may expect the deceased to return. They might express their grief through play, questions, or changes in behavior and mood. Reading novels about grief and loss can help by providing a framework for understanding their feelings, offering a narrative that makes sense of the complex emotions they’re experiencing. These stories can also offer reassurance, show that their feelings are normal, and provide examples of positive ways to cope with loss, helping them navigate their grief in a healthy and supported manner.
“A Walk in the Woods” by Nikki Grimes
The book presents a moving narrative about a boy coping with the loss of his father. After his father’s death, the boy discovers an envelope containing a map that leads him to a familiar place in the woods where he and his father used to spend time together. This journey through the woods becomes a poignant exploration of grief, memory, and healing.
The book is particularly compelling because it uses the physical journey through the woods as a metaphor for the emotional journey through grief. The setting allows the boy to reconnect with memories of his father, helping him process his feelings and find comfort in the continuity of love and memory. The illustrations by Jerry and Brian Pinkney add a rich, emotive layer to the story, visually capturing the mood and the evolving emotional landscape of the boy.
“A Walk in the Woods” is notable for its gentle yet profound handling of loss, making it an excellent resource for children dealing with similar feelings. It offers both a story of personal growth and a means of discussing grief and healing in an accessible, resonant way.
“Boats for Papa” by Jessixa Bagley (Published 2015)
This picture book explores the themes of loss and coping through the story of Buckley, a young beaver who misses his Papa. Buckley makes wooden boats and sends them out to sea, hoping they will reach his absent father. Each boat carries a note stating, “For Papa, Love Buckley.” His mother supports him quietly in his endeavor, and it’s revealed in a tender twist that she has been keeping the boats washed ashore as a way to preserve Buckley’s hope and love.
The book tackles the difficult subject of loss with delicacy and depth. Its narrative and illustrations are infused with emotion, capturing the longing and love Buckley feels for his father. What makes “Boats for Papa” an excellent reading material is its gentle approach to the concept of loss, making it accessible and comprehensible to young children. It allows them to explore feelings of grief and the different ways people may cope with the absence of a loved one.
The illustrations in “Boats for Papa” are particularly notable for their detailed and emotive quality, which adds layers to the story’s poignant atmosphere. This book is often praised for its ability to handle a sensitive topic like grief with subtlety and sincerity, making it a valuable tool for parents, educators, or counselors seeking to help children navigate their feelings of loss.
“Grandad’s Island” by Benji Davies (Published 2015)
The story follows a young boy named Syd who often visits his beloved Grandad’s house, which is filled with memorabilia from Grandad’s seafaring days. One day, they go on an extraordinary adventure through a secret attic door that leads to a magical island. After a wonderful time exploring the island together, Grandad decides to stay behind, leaving Syd to return home alone. The book subtly handles the concept of loss, depicting Grandad’s decision to stay on the island as a metaphor for his passing.
“Grandad’s Island” addresses the theme of loss not through direct explanation of death but through the allegorical journey, which can help children process the concept of saying goodbye in a less direct, more gentle manner. The book’s strength lies in its ability to deal with a sensitive topic like grief through a story of adventure and love between a grandchild and a grandparent. The vibrant and colorful illustrations enrich the narrative, providing a visual celebration of the memories Syd and his Grandad share.
What makes “Grandad’s Island” an excellent reading material is its approach to grief that is filled with warmth and comfort, emphasizing the lasting impact of love and the importance of cherished memories. This makes it particularly suitable for young children, offering them a way to understand loss without confronting the harsh realities of death too directly.
“Michael Rosen’s Sad Book” by Michael Rosen (Published 2004)
This deeply personal book was written by Rosen as a reflection on his own grief following the death of his son Eddie, who died suddenly at the age of 18. The book captures Rosen’s experiences of sadness and grief in a raw and honest manner, describing various aspects of his emotional journey through grief, including the moments when he feels sad, how sadness can come unexpectedly, and how he tries to cope with his feelings.
The book is notable for its candid approach to discussing grief, making it a unique and valuable reading material. It doesn’t shy away from the complexities and realities of feeling deeply sad, which can be rare in children’s literature. The illustrations by Quentin Blake complement the text with poignant and expressive artwork, enhancing the book’s emotional impact.
What makes “Michael Rosen’s Sad Book” particularly good for readers of all ages is its straightforward and honest portrayal of grief. It opens up a dialogue about sadness and loss in a way that is accessible and relatable, helping readers understand that their feelings are normal and that others experience similar emotions.
The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers (Published 2010)
This picture book deals with the themes of grief and loss through the story of a young girl who, faced with the death of her beloved grandfather, decides to protect her heart from further pain by locking it away in a bottle. As she grows older, the bottled-up heart makes her oblivious to the beauty and opportunities around her, until she meets someone who helps her understand the importance of letting her heart out again.
The story is about how people sometimes cope with grief by shutting away their emotions, and the long-term impact this can have on their lives. Jeffers uses simple yet profound illustrations and text to convey complex emotions, making the book accessible to both children and adults. The visual metaphor of the heart in a bottle effectively illustrates the concept of emotional suppression in a way that is easy to understand.
What makes “The Heart and the Bottle” good reading material is its gentle exploration of a difficult subject, allowing young readers to understand and relate to the process of grief and the importance of staying open to feelings, even when they are painful. The book is praised for its ability to resonate with readers of all ages and its usefulness as a tool for discussing grief and healing.
“Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and Love” by Saira Mir (Published 2023)
This is a story about loss of something that might have been. Raya is about to become a big sister to the baby in her moms belly. She has many plans for when the new arrival gets here. Unfortunately, the parents receive news that the baby is not viable for life. They tell Raya, which makes her confused and upset.
This book is good reading material because it touches on grief and the loss of someone you have not met. Common emotions include confusion, especially in younger children who may not grasp what a miscarriage entails. Sadness can occur in children who were anticipating the arrival of a new sibling. Fear or anxiety might arise from concerns about their mother’s health or fears of other bad things happening.
A poignant book written about losing someone we had just started to incorporate in our lives and had wanted for a very long time.
The book is a poetic exploration of the emotions surrounding the loss of a loved one, focusing on the enduring presence of love even after someone has passed away. It provides a thoughtful narrative on how love and memories persist and can be found in everyday surroundings and moments.
The book uses gentle and soothing language combined with evocative illustrations to discuss themes of grief and loss in a way that is accessible and comforting to readers of all ages. Its lyrical approach helps to convey the message that although loved ones may no longer be physically present, their influence and love continue to permeate the lives of those they have left behind.
What makes “Everywhere, Still” good reading material is its universal message and the delicate way it handles the complex emotions associated with grief. It’s an excellent resource for anyone, young or old, who is coping with loss. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, providing a visual softness that enhances the book’s comforting tone.
“Everywhere, Still” is notable for its ability to resonate with readers who are at different stages of their grief journey, offering reassurance and a sense of peace in the idea that love endures beyond physical presence. This makes it a valuable addition to any collection of books on grief and bereavement, useful for both personal reflection and as a tool to aid discussion about loss with children and adults alike.
“Always Remember” by Cece Meng (Published 2016)
This picture book deals with the topic of grief and loss through the story of an old sea turtle named Old Turtle, who passes away after a long and fulfilling life. The book focuses not on the sadness of Old Turtle’s death but on celebrating the life he lived and the impact he had on others around him.
The story explores how Old Turtle’s friends, sea creatures from all over the ocean, remember him. Each character shares memories of how Old Turtle affected their lives, emphasizing the theme that we continue to live on in the memories and hearts of others.
What makes “Always Remember” a good reading material is its gentle and positive approach to the concept of death. It helps children understand that while death is sad, the memories of loved ones are enduring and can provide comfort. The illustrations by Jago add a beautiful and serene layer to the story, making it visually appealing and emotionally resonant.
The book is valuable for its ability to help children cope with loss while focusing on positive memories and the natural cycle of life. It’s particularly useful for parents or educators looking for a way to discuss the passing of a loved one with young children in a hopeful and uplifting manner.
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