>> When a Pet or relative dies

Recommended Books for
CHILDREN COPING WITH THE DEATH OF A RELATIVE OR PET

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
by Erik Blegvad (Illustrator), Judith Viorst (Author)
Ages 4-8
"In simple phrases narrated by a child whose cat, Barney, has just died, the author succinctly and honestly handles both the emotions stemming from the loss of a beloved pet and the questions about the finality of death which naturally arise in such a situation. . . . An unusually good book that handles a difficult subject straightforwardly."--The Horn Book. –

Annie and the Old One
by Miska Miles (Author)
Ages 4-8
Annie, an Indian child, resorts to extremes in trying to prevent her dear grandmother from dying. The "old one" has said she will return to Earth when she has finished helping Annie and Annie's mother to weave their new rug, so the child does everything she can to delay the project. When the grandmother explains her beliefs, Annie understands and no longer attempts to hold back time. PW praised Miles for a story representing "a difficult challenge" and Parnall's pictures that "reflect the dignity of thetext," in the 1971 Newbery Honor book.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Grandma's Scrapbook
by Josephine Nobisso, Maureen Hyde (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
A scrapbook of memorabilia chronicles the tender and sometimes zany moments shared between Grandma and her granddaughter during their seaside summers. Pages of the lively scrapbook are interspersed with watercolor-rendered photographs of the girl, now a teenager, as she reminisces about their relationship. The last summer in the scrapbook reveals how their roles have changed. Now the girl guides Grandma's wheelchair to places Grandma once brought her on the back of her bike or in a stroller. This poignant story uplifts and dignifies the experience of aging and loss, tingeing it not with sadness, but with hope and wonder.

Grandpa Loved
by Josephine Nobisso, Maureen Hyde (Illustrator)
Ages 9-12
Here is the revised and reissued version of the classic which has been called, "One of the all-time picture books with the most unforgettable language," and which Parents Magazine named "One of the Best Kids Books of the Year." As a teen-aged boy remembers his grandfather, the text and pictures draw us back in time and place to relive moments they spent in four landscapes together: the beach, the woods, the city and the family. When we discover that Grandpa has died, the effect is one not so much of sadness as of wonder and hope since the boy sees his Grandpa in all the places and people they loved.

Remember Rafferty: A Book About the Death of a Pet for Children of All Ages
by Joy Johnson, Kristi McClendon (Illustrator), Shari Borum (Illustrator),
Ages 4-8
A book about the death of a pet. . .for children of all ages. This book is unique because of the scrapbook in the back for children to write down memories of their beloved pet. Rafferty is a family dog that gets very sick. The family makes the difficult decision to end his life. Talks about remembering your pet and grieving the loss.

When Your Pet Dies
by Diane Pomerance
Ages 4-8
I have read several books and articles on experiencing grief from the loss of a beloved animal. No book has brought as much hope and a feeling of calmness to me as Ms. Pomerance's "When Your Pet Dies". Written primarily for children, it is as helpful and reassuring to adults as it will be to children. Parents should feel comfortable in allowing their children to read this book. Parents should read it as well. It traces a very realistic picture, both figuratively, as well factually, of the process that humans go through during the life of their beloved pet. The pictures in the book, done by a 13 year old girl, are both colorful and beautiful. They add a great deal to this journey through life into death. I have reread it many times, enjoying it more each time. I highly recommend this book to anyone going through the grief related to pet loss.

For Every Dog an Angel
by Christine Davis (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
For Every Dog An angel is a light, magical little book that honors the timeless connection between people and their canine companions. Written from the heart after the unexpected loss of her "forever dog" Martha, this charming book will bring comfort to anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to their best four-legged friend. For Every Dog An Angel is also a heart-felt way to welcome a new puppy or to celebrate a much-loved doggie friend.

When a Pet Dies
By Fred Rogers
Explores the feelings of frustration, sadness, and loneliness that a youngster may feel when a pet dies.

The Loss of a Pet
By Wallace Sife
“A guide to coping with the grieving process when a pet dies.”