Copyright Date:
2022
Edition Date:
2022
Release Date:
03/15/22
ISBN:
1-459-83185-3
ISBN 13:
978-1-459-83185-8
Dewey:
306
Language:
English
Reviews:
ALA Booklist
Rather than present a single fictional story, this helpful book aimed at kids who have questions about death employs simple, yet truthful, responses that either immediately satisfy or give children additional tools for articulating more specific questions. Among the questions addressed are who and what is susceptible to death (yes, pets, too), where the dead "go," and whether the living may ever again see dead loved ones. Less tangible topics such as the soul are broached by noting that there are various belief systems and that those systems suggest different things. This approach leaves plenty of space for the adult reading with the child to discuss family beliefs. Soft, pastel digital art depicts a wide variety of ethnicities, family groupings, and even animals, and gives visual suggestions about behaviors related to visiting the dying, celebrating the memory of a loved one, and even working through grief. An excellent choice for preschools as well as libraries.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2 This title about the hows and whys of death is a necessary addition to any children's collection. Roberts does a commendable job providing answers for the practical questions surrounding death ("What happens when someone dies?. That person's body stops working") and the spiritual ("Where does that person go?. Many cultures believe that a person is made up of both a body and a soul"). Roberts chooses to forgo a formal narrative style, instead opting for a question and answer format. This allows for the introduction of different and diverse families into the narrative. Colorful illustrations focus on the many emotions and traditions of grieving, giving young readers opportunities to make textual and visual connections. VERDICT Because of the lack of materials on death and grieving in many children's collections, this title is highly recommended for purchase. Paige Mellinger, Gwinnett County Public Libraries, Lillburn, GA
Whether children are experiencing grief and loss for the first time or simply curious, it can be difficult to know how to talk to them about death.
Using questions posed in a childs voice and answers that start simply and become more in-depth, this book allows adults to guide the conversation to a natural and reassuring conclusion. Additional questions at the back of the book allow for further discussion.
Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed the Just Enough series to empower parents/caregivers to start conversations with young ones about difficult or challenging subject matter. Other books in the series deal with birth, diversity, separation and divorce.