Parenting > Death/Grieving

One morning the bear was crying. His friend, the little bird, was dead. When the little bird dies, the bear is inconsolable. Full of grief, he locks himself in his house and ventures out again only when the smell of young spring grass blows through his window. He meets a wildcat and finally feels understood. As the cat plays on her violin, the bear remembers all the beauty that he has experienced with the little bird. Now he can bury his friend, because he knows he'll always have his memories.

Mog keeps watch over the upset Thomas family, who miss her terribly, and she wonders how they will ever manage without her. Nothing happens for some time

Through charming verse and glowing illustrations, Judith Kerr takes us on a magical and moving journey that proves love really does conquer everything. A truly special picture book destined to be loved and treasured by children and adults alike for years to come. "It's things we've never tried before That are the greatest fun, Like riding on a dinosaur, Which I had never done." Married couples are used to little trips together. Henry's wife can see no reason why they should stop just because one of them is no longer around. In fa... read more

When old Badger dies, his friends think that they will be sad forever. But gradually they are able to remember Badger with joy and to treasure the gifts he left behind for everyone of his friends. This sensitive book can help children come to terms with the death of those they love. It lets children talk about their anxiety and grief and the illustrations are perfect for comforting and reassurance.

Have you ever wondered why a butterfly lives for only a few weeks? Or why a tree lives for hundreds of year? You may have been sad when someone in your family, or a favourite pet became sick and died.There is a beginning and an ending to everything that is alive. In between is a lifetime. Dying is a much a part of living as being born.

Doyle's debut picture book is perfect for anyone who has loved, lost, or known the value of family. This powerful story explores grief and the healing power of laughter, with Doyle's unmistakable insight and gentle humor. Full color.

An insightful picture book about one girl's loss of her mother. Mending Lucille charts the process of grief and healing through a young girl's attachment to a broken doll, Lucille. One day, she and her father meet Chrissie, a kind waitress who mends the doll. Will she also be able to help them overcome their grief?

With unmitigated honesty, a touch of humor, and sensitive illustrations by Quentin Blake, Michael Rosen explores the experience of sadness in a way that resonates with us all. Sometimes I'm sad and I don't know why. It's just a cloud that comes along and covers me up. Sad things happen to everyone, and sometimes people feel sad for no reason at all. What makes Michael Rosen sad is thinking about his son, Eddie, who died suddenly at the age of eighteen. In this book the author writes about his sadness, how it affects him, and some... read more

"Wood conveys a sense of something larger in the world, and gives voice to the human longing to understand." - KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred review) Grandad is the boy's best friend. Being with him always makes the world seem right. And how vast that world is: a world of tall trees that reach for the clouds and sun and moon and stars - and what else is reaching for heaven but a prayer? Each time he and Grandad walk in the woods, the boy listens for the prayers of the earth. And finally the boy asks: "Are our prayers answered?" One day, l... read more

A book for children (and adults) to fill with many different memories about a person who has died. Spaces for writing, drawing and sticking in photographs and mementoes are provided. When completed, the book is a tangible way to remember a special person, and a reminder of happy times spent together.

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One day three children start a business called Funerals Ltd, to help all the poor dead animals in the world. One does the digging, one writes the poems, and the other — the littlest — cries. Translated from the Swedish, this is another delightful title from Gecko Press, which sources the best of Europe’s picturebooks and publishes them for the New Zealand market.

A heartbreakingly honest account of a father's grief for his son from the illustrious pairing of a current and a former Children's Laureate. What makes Michael Rosen most sad is thinking about his son, Eddie, who died. In this jacketed hardback book he writes about his sadness, how it affects him and some of the things he does to try and cope with it. Whether or not you have known what it's like to feel really deeply sad, its truth will surely touch you.

In a compassionate and straightforward manner the author addresses the many questions and thoughts that children have after the death of someone close. This book offers sound advice and comfort at a difficult time.

Old Pig and Granddaughter have lived together for a long, long time. They share everything, including the chores, until the day when Old Pig does not get up as usual for breakfast. Calmly she pays her bills and puts her affairs in order. Then she takes Granddaughter on a last, long walk - looking and listening, smelling and tasting. Old Pig and Granddaughter say goodbye to each other in the best way they know. A poignant story, full of warmth, about living, loving and letting go. This is a hardback edition of a classic story fr... read more

Helen Brown wasn't a cat person, but her nine-year-old son Sam was. Helen's heart melted as Sam held one of the kittens in his and the deal was done - the kitten would be delivered when she was big enough to leave her mother. A week later, Sam was dead. Not long after, a little black kitten was delivered to the grieving family. This is the story of how a small black feline helped mend a family's broken hearts by sheer force of her cat personality. It is a warm and often funny book about love, loss and redemption.

Since Grandpa's illness and death, his family have left his boat, The Periwinkle, untouched and unused. But one day they decide to repair the boat in memory of Grandpa, and find that it is better to remember than to forget.

When the puppy came to live with Harry and Dad, he was as jumpy as a grasshopper. So that's what Harry called him, Hopper. One day, Harry comes home from school and his dog isn't there to greet him. Harry will never know the feel or the smell of Hopper again. But love is strong and Hopper will stay with Harry as long as he needs him.

Harry and his dog Hopper have done everything together, ever since Hopper was a jumpy little puppy. But one day the unthinkable happens. When Harry comes home from school, Hopper isn't there to greet him. Hopper will never be there again, but Harry is not ready to let him go. A story that tenderly demonstrates the shock of grief and the sustaining power of love.

Most children at some stage of their lives lose a close family member or friend. This story tells a child's experience of a much-loved grandfather getting old, becoming unwell, and dying. The story also shows that people celebrate death in different ways. The family's response to the death of their much-loved grandfather reflects the multi-cultural make-up of New Zealand. Pakeha (European), Maori and Pacific Island traditions and beliefs are interwoven into the family's response. The story creates an opportunity for adults ... read more