A Few Helpful Books

This carefully selected list of books and DVDs was created by a pair of licensed social
workers who have helped many families figure out how to talk with their children when a
mom is terminally ill.

For an extended bibliography, click here.

A special note: If you click to purchase any materials here from Amazon, a small portion of your payment will come back to support this website.

book lifetimes

Lifetimes

by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen
Age 5 and up

A pet … a friend … or a relative dies, and it must be explained to a child.
This sensitive book is a useful tool in explaining to children that death is
a part of life and that, eventually, all living things reach the end of their own
special lifetimes.

Purchase This Book

book where do people go

Where Do People Go When They Die?

by Mindy Portnoy

Children ask different adults and themselves about death and receive a
wide variety of answers. Includes an afterword and suggestions for
parents.

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book badgers gift

Badger’s Parting Gifts

by Susan Varley
Ages 4 and up

Warm and sensitive illustrations reflect the hopeful mood of this tale about woodland animals learning to accept their friend Badger’s death.

Purchase This Book

book tea soup

Tear Soup

by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen
Teens and up

This gorgeous book will validate your experience, and your children’s
feelings like no other. If you are only going to buy a couple of books, this
should be one of them. The affirming and educating messages are. If you
leave it on the coffee table, others might pick it up, read it, and then better
understand what is happening in your family.

Purchase This Book

book what on earth

What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?

Trevor Romain
(DVD 6-9 yr olds)

Using gentle humor, original music and a compassionate storyline, Trevor
Romain uses his own experience to pass along practical, helpful advice for
kids, such as – it’s OK to cry, talk about death, grieve, and go on with life.
Kids of all ages will be enlightened and encouraged.

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book how it feels

How It Feels When A Parent Dies

by Jill Krementz

Photos of and interviews with 18 young people, ages 7-16, who speak
openly about their experiences and feelings

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book sky memories

Sky Memories

by Pat Brisson
Age 8 and up

When 10 year old Emily learns that her mother has cancer, the two of them
begin a ritual that will help Emily remember her mother after she is dead.

Purchase This Book

book a quilt for elizabeth

A Quilt for Elizabeth

by Elizabeth Tiffault
Ages 6 and up

After her father’s death, Elizabeth and her grandmother make a quilt
from his clothes. They remember and share stories and feelings together.

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Book list courtesy of a licensed family therapist and hospice counselor.

Suggestions for additions to the list of books, DVDs and other materials most welcome.

Please e-mail us: momalways1@gmail.com