This is a lovely book about the death of an elderly friend. Death is portrayed as a joyful release from a sick or injured body. Badger's mourning animal friends find happiness in remembering the things they shared with and learned from their departed friend. No specific religious content; Badger goes down a "Long Tunnel." There is a suggestion of some kind of afterlife. Ages 5-8.

Child narrator deals with the terminal illness of his uncle. Good book to help a child adjust to the sometimes frightening changes that occur with a loved one's grave illness and how to stay connected to a seriously ill loved one. No religious content. Ages 5-8+

The nine-year-old author details the feelings of guilt, anger and loneliness she experienced as her older sister became ill and eventually died, after the two girls had quarreled. The family is African-American; both girls are adopted. Includes helpful section titled: "For Parents, Professionals and Other Caring Adults." Some religious content, but idea of heaven is not stressed. Pulls some content from Lifetimes: the Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children [See section on Death- General Questions]- the two books could be used together. Ages 5-9.

A cat whose kitten days are far behind her says goodbye to her human family, and the animals and places that have made her life special, before leaving this life behind. Ages 4-8.

Absolute reassurance for a child who has lost a beloved pet; dog heaven is a wonderful place. Pets sometimes secretly revisit their families to check that everything is OK, and owners are eventually reunited with their pets. Extremely strong religious theme throughout: God, heaven, angels, etc. Not too much text; simple illustrations. Ages 3-6; or for somewhat older children who need this reassurance.

We follow Freddie through the seasons of his life on the tree, until he learns that death is a natural part of life. No religious content. Ages preschool --7+.

Norma and her parents are going to her great-uncle Frank's funeral, and Norma is more excited than sad. She is looking forward to playing with her favorite cousin, Ray, but when she arrives at the church, she is confronted with rituals and ideas that have never occurred to her before. While not all questions can be answered, when the day is over Norma is certain of one thing: Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his funeral. This sensitive and life-affirming story will lead young readers to ask their own questions about life, death and how we remember those who have gone before us.

At first the narrator, a very young child, denies his mouse has died and then he expresses anger and sadness in very simple direct terms. A gentle sweet story, validating a very young child's feelings. (At one point he says, "And I hate all this dying stuff. Let's bury Mousie NOW!"). Includes a backyard burial. No religious content or mention of afterlife. Ages preschool-7.

Portrays the close relationship between an African-American girl and her Grandma. When Grandma dies, the girl is desolate, but, eventually she finds comfort in her wonderful memories. No religious content. Does not include the funeral or burial. Ages preschool --8.

A thorough book that covers nearly all of the aspects involved with the life and death cycle. Includes sections explaning the definition of life, life expectancy, the food chain, accidental death, extinction, human destruction (which includes murder), what happens after death, grieving, funeral customs, the possibility of the afterlife, and even the idea of bringing things back from the dead. Some images and concepts might be considered shocking, but still an informative, honest, and tasteful resource for those with many questions. Ages 8+.

When his teacher, Miss Perry, is killed in a car accident, Stevie and his elementary school classmates take turns sharing memories of her, especially her fondest wish for each day. Very positive approach. Ages preschool -8+.

Nice, simple, treatment of how pets die and how it makes the children feel. Covers the decision to "put a pet to sleep." Ages 4-8.

Grieving over the death of a special person, a young child creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of the loved one. Includes a guide for parents with information from a Christian perspective on helping manage the complex and difficult emotions children feel when they lose someone they love, as well as suggestions on how to create their own memory box.

Follows Morgan through the anticipation of becoming a big sister, to the news that the baby has died, and beyond. She learns that a friend's family also lost an infant. A central concept is saying goodbye; in this case the vehicle is a balloon release. Includes definite religious content. Morgan is assured she will see the baby someday in heaven. Includes sections with suggestions about helping siblings, how to use the book, and questions for discussion. Ages 5-8.

Because Old Pig knows that her time to die is near, she puts her affairs in order and takes a slow walk with Granddaughter to savor the beauty for one last time. The grandmother pig's death is gently implied. No religious content. Ages 3-8+.

Easy-to-read text reveals that dying is hard work, for the old and especially the young, and how good it is that so many people help when a person dies, from medical staff to clergy and friends to family members. No religious content. Ages preschool - 8+.

Based on a true story, this is a beautiful tale of friendship, loss and the return of hope. The narrator is a young girl whose best friend, a boy, suffers and dies from a heart defect.  She is helped through her grief by family support and by the school's creation of a memorial pond (Rudi loved ponds). There is a rather vague suggestion of reincarnation; families should judge whether they find this disturbing before using this book. No mention of heaven or other religious content. Ages 5-9.

Narrated in first person by the little girl who loved Lulu. She reviews the dog's life from puppyhood to end. Nice portrayal of the child's initial fear about death and the process through which she mourns and recovers. Includes backyard burial. No religious content. Could cause a problem for some families- the girl mourns until she gets a new puppy. Ages 3-7.

When his mother dies, a little boy is angry at his loss but does everything he can to hold onto the memory of her scent, her voice, and the special things she did for him, even as he tries to help his father and grandmother cope. Ages 5 and up.

.A tool for parents, caregivers, therapists, and teachers to help young children understand the concept of death and begin the process of coping with the loss.

Very nice treatment of issues surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome from a preschool or early grades perspective. Stacy receives reassurance and information when she fears her resentment of the baby caused the death. Includes "A Note for Parents," containing information about SIDS and suggestions of how to help siblings. No religious content. Ages preschool --7.

Comforting story of an old dog who wakes up one morning in heaven. From heaven, the dog can watch over her earthly family, and she sends her little boy nice dreams so he knows how wonderful dog heaven is. Then she sends him a dream of a puppy, so he knows it is OK to get a new dog. There is a strong religious theme, but God is implied rather than mentioned. Minimal text. Ages 3-7.

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. This gentle informational text employs questions posed in a child's voice and answers that start simply and become more in-depth. Features diverse families and cultural traditions and introduces concepts of life after death and reincarnation. Ages 4-8.

Children ask many people the title question and receive answers ranging from "They are buried in the ground and become part of the earth and nature," to "They go to God...," and, "They live on in their children..." Nice simple text and illustrations. Includes an "Afterword" and "Suggestions for Parents." Author is a rabbi. Religious interpretation of afterlife is only one of the answers presented. Ages older preschool -9+.