image from www.papertigers.org
Telling the Christmas story is easy: the birth of a baby in a stable surrounded by animals is a story filled with light and joy.
Telling the Christmas story is easy: the birth of a baby in a stable surrounded by animals is a story filled with light and joy.
Death is harder. Even death followed by Resurrection. Crucifixion was
a torturous death to begin with, and we live in a culture that doesn’t do well
in talking about any kind of death. But our Lord's death and Resurrection are foundations of our faith, so along with growing wheat grass and decorating eggs and making hot cross buns, you might consider another way of sharing the Easter story with your children. Below are a few suggestions of books for children that either tell the Easter story, or that deal with the difficult subject of death.
Books about Easter:
The Easter Story,
Brian Wildsmith
“Brian Wildsmith's own passion for the story of Jesus's crucifixion and
resurrection is unmistakable in his glorious, metallic-gold-hued illustrations,
which tell the story more vividly than words ever could. In fact, to his
credit, Wildsmith adapts the story of Jesus's last days in as simple and
straightforward a manner as possible, allowing young readers to glean the
substance from the paintings, symbolism, and, most likely, discussion with
grownups who may be reading along. The donkey's-eye-view of the events allows a
slightly different perspective from the standard, without being overly
intrusive as a literary device. Lush jewel tones capture the richness of the
narrative, and mesh in a strangely beautiful way with the simple paintings of
Jesus, the angels, Mary Magdalene, and others in the biblical cast of
characters. The Easter Story will make a gorgeous addition to any Easter
basket. (Ages 5 and older)”
Amazon.com Review
The Legend of the
Three Trees – Picture Book, Anne McCafferty
"Vivid visual imagery brings this classic legend to life. Told simply,
in language even the youngest family members will understand, the story beings
with three young trees who dream - as children do - of doing big deeds.
When the woodcutters come, the trees each find that the reality of
their existence doesn't match their dreams… and yet… This touching story
contains a simple lesson about God's Plan for every life, told in a way that
will touch hearts." (Age Range: 3 - 7 years) Book Description on Amazon.com
Books about the death
of pets:
The Tenth Good Thing
about Barney Judith Viorst
"Because the life cycle of animals is so short, it's usually the first death a child experiences. Fortunately, there are good children's books to help in many difficult situations. This book works better than any other book on the subject. It is the story of a small boy who is trying to understand and recover from his cat's death. The author is honest and authentic in her approach." Barnes & Noble Editorial Review, Children's Literature -
"Because the life cycle of animals is so short, it's usually the first death a child experiences. Fortunately, there are good children's books to help in many difficult situations. This book works better than any other book on the subject. It is the story of a small boy who is trying to understand and recover from his cat's death. The author is honest and authentic in her approach." Barnes & Noble Editorial Review, Children's Literature -
Sammy in the Sky
Barbara Walsh and Jamie Wyeth
“The title of Walsh's debut and the use of the past tense
make it clear that Sammy, "the best hound dog in the whole world," is
not going to make it: "Daddy found a bump on Sammy's neck; it was as big
as a baseball." Wyeth's (Cabbages and Kings) watercolors capture Sammy's
floppy ears, patient expression, and sloppy kisses for his overall-wearing
mistress; readers will love him, too, and they'll find his impending death just
as difficult as his owners do. The girl's mother tells her what to expect:
"When he leaves, his body will be like an empty shell, but his spirit will
be everywhere.... All the good things about Sammy, like his love for you, will
be yours to keep forever." The family travels through their grief
together: "You're still the best hound dog in the whole wide world,"
the girl shouts to a Sammy-shaped cloud as they gather months later on the
beach to celebrate his life. As a model of good mourning, it's a fruitful
resource; as an account of loss, it goes to the pit of the stomach." (Ages 4–7) Publishers Weekly review
Books about loss / death:
Waterbugs and
Dragonflies Doris Stickney
"How can we answer the many questions young children have about death?
Looking for a meaningful way to explain the death of a five-year-old friend to
neighborhood children, Stickney adapted a graceful fable about a water bug that
changed into a dragonfly. First published as a book in 1982, it has become The
Pilgrim Press's bestselling book, Water Bugs and Dragonflies."
The Invisible String Patrice Karst
"Specifically written to address children's fear of being apart from
the ones they love, The Invisible String delivers a particularly compelling
message in today's uncertain times that though we may be separated from the
ones we care for, whether through anger, or distance or even death, love is the
unending connection that binds us all, and, by extension, ultimately binds
every person on the planet to everyone else. Parents and children everywhere
who are looking for reassurance and reaffirmation of the transcendent power of
love, to bind, connect and comfort us through those inevitable times when life
challenges us." (Ages 3 and up). Book Description on Amazon.com
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