My five-year old isn't squeamish. Example: When we visit the Field Museum, she rushes from one display case to the next. "Look Mommy, another dead animal!" But when her beloved betta fish died, she was a mess. Note to parents: Do not allow your family fish to lie in state for 24 hours. Trust me. Cleaning the fish bowl made me want to break out in anguished tears. So we comforted, soothed, held a memorial service, and created a little book to remember her friend. Losing a pet is a big transition, but the following books might help children (and parents) cope with the loss of their animal friends.
Goodbye, Mousie by Robie Harris is a simple, touching story about a little boy working his way through his grief over losing his pet mouse. Recommended for preschoolers thru 2nd graders.
Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas tells the lovely story of the relationship between a young girl and her aging dog. When Lulu gets sick and dies, the little girl struggles with her sadness, eventually passing through grief to tender memories. Recommended for preschoolers thru 2nd graders.
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Voirst. After his beloved cat dies, a young boy is able to think of only nine things he loved about his pet. One of the classics, this picture book is more complex – it touches on the afterlife and what happens to a pet once it's buried. The tenth good thing is Barney helping the flowers and trees grow in the garden. Recommended for kindergarteners thru 3rd graders.
I Found A Dead Bird by Jan Thornhill. This title covers a wide range of topics from what is life, the moment of death, grieving, funeral customs, decomposition, and afterlife. Definitely geared to older children, 3rd graders thru 6th graders, this quirky book of odd facts can be used as a preparation for some children and entertainment for others.
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