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Children's Books of Sickness and Death: Loving Life

2022-07-03T10:52:38.635Z


Death also occurs in children's literature. Like love and friendship, it is an existential issue that concerns children. Five non-fiction books and children's novels about heavy subject matter.


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When a loved one dies, conversations are important, books can help

Photo: Shapecharge Photography / Getty Images

There is so much misery in the world, why should children deal with death?

Of course, reading should be fun.

But it should also enlighten, take us to places we don't know yet.

You don't have to be concerned to read about it.

Experiencing strong emotions in fiction can also foster empathy.

When a loved one dies, time stands still.

The unthinkable has happened.

When death casts a shadow over family life, a book can be a bridge to a child's feelings.

However, it cannot replace closeness and conversation.

A classic of this genre is »The Lionheart Brothers« by Astrid Lindgren.

The novel is read by children and adults alike.

It's a story that, like all good books, has a lasting effect on you and maybe also provides comforting thoughts for your life.

More recently, John Green's Fate is a Wicked Betrayer has certainly had a similar meaning for many readers.

The following five books are about laughing in all this mess.

They explain what there is to organize when someone dies.

They tell about the circle of life and give answers when you don't recognize yourself in your despair.

The child and the dog

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Heine, helmets

My Friend RamTamTam (Children's Books)

Publisher: Diogenes

Number of pages: 36

Publisher: Diogenes

Number of pages: 36

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This picture book by Helme Heine was published last year.

He composed the image and text for a profound and at the same time humorous story about the life and death of his beloved dog in an exemplary manner.

I like the fine drawings accompanied by pleasantly short texts with pointed jokes.

The narrative almost floats along a little until the end, which isn't.

Because you can still meet in memory.

What's going on here?

In spontaneous love, child and animal grow up together, explore the world and enjoy life - until the dog is old and falls asleep.

An undramatic story that describes the passage of time.

A comforting book that artfully shows how few words are needed to say everything.

Heine explains that this picture book was designed as an alternative to u. a.

»Lord and Dog« by Thomas Mann was created.

There the dog is only his master's servant and remains a stranger to him.

He, on the other hand, wanted to talk about a relationship at eye level.

And the power of memory.

Best time to read:

Right now

Recommended age:

from 5 years

Short and good

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Mennen, Patricia

How so?

Why?

Why?, Volume 42: Farewell, Death and Grief (Why? Why? Why?, 42)

Publisher: Ravensburger Verlag GmbH

Number of pages: 16

Publisher: Ravensburger Verlag GmbH

Number of pages: 16

Buy for €14.99

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This non-fiction book explains various aspects of dying to young children in a friendly manner.

The content is well researched and far more modern than the stereotypical illustrations would suggest.

It's a shame that such a large publisher shows children of different skin colors in its advertising, but not as active figures between the book covers.

What's going on here?

You accompany a family that says goodbye to their grandmother in the hospice, through the burial to life afterward.

In addition to many practical questions, it also explains what feelings can overcome you in mourning.

Jewish and Muslim burial rites are addressed, as are different religious beliefs about what comes after.

The comforting advice at the end is nice.

The picture flaps seem somewhat unnecessary in some places, in others they cleverly expand the explanations.

Best time to read:

What actually happens at a funeral?

Recommended age:

from 4 years

wolf code

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Mark, Josephine

Trip with drip

Publisher: Kibitz Verlag

Number of pages: 192

Publisher: Kibitz Verlag

Number of pages: 192

Buy for €20.00

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This comic is as funny as the book title promises, because the illustrator Josephine Mark can not only draw, but also write wittily.

She has turned her own experiences as a cancer patient into a kind of traveling movie and apparently hasn't lost her sense of humor.

This story has a happy ending - the last word is "fries".

It's not about death, but about the fear of it and the miserable illness.

Few stories tell as easy and difficult at the same time as it can feel.

What's going on here?

A forest hospital somewhere in Europe.

Separated only by a curtain, a bunny gets his chemo infusion and a wolf gets his gunshot wound treated.

Suddenly bullets fly, the hunter is approaching.

The bunny and the wolf... oh, long story.

In any case, the snotty wolf is not allowed to clean up the bunny in the tried and tested way, but has to save it.

wolf code.

They flee together, the bulky jumble of infusions always with them.

The wolf pretends to be a "lone wolf," but beneath its rough skin lies a soft core, and the bunny isn't as weak as it thought it would be.

On their escape they meet all sorts of strange characters, and original conversations always ensue, which adults also enjoy.

Best time to read:

Laugh again.

Recommended age:

from 12 years (and all)

Don't be afraid of tears

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Nilsson, Moni

So much love: A sad and comforting book that gives courage.

Publisher: Carlsen

Number of pages: 128

Publisher: Carlsen

Number of pages: 128

Buy for €12.00

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Yes, this is a really sad story.

Even now, reading it again, tears come to my eyes.

But that doesn't matter.

I hope that many boys and girls read this book and understand about feelings - including other people's.

I wish this book many adult readers, because the author has created an authentic character who lets you feel what a death feels like for a child.

What's going on here?

Moni Nilsson lets Lea herself talk about family life with a sick mother.

From big brother who goes from idiot to protector.

And of her anger when it becomes clear that there is no hope for a cure.

But it's also about a fight with your girlfriend, fun with football and a wonderful trip.

And it is the story of a brave and wise mother who does not leave her daughter alone.

She wraps her child in love so that it will always feel loved beyond her death.

I'm sure this will work.

Best Reading Time:

Anytime

Recommended age:

from 10 years

basic sadness

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Farm, Maria

How long does it take to be sad?: For anyone who has lost someone

Publisher: Oetinger

Number of pages: 128

Publisher: Oetinger

Number of pages: 128

Buy for €10.00

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This book doesn't magic the loss away, but it does help to better understand different forms and phases of grief.

Even if nothing can be as it was, the author conveys the confidence that things will get better again at some point and that despite everything, there will be happy moments again.

What's going on here?

Swedish psychologist Maria Farm writes this handbook in simple terms for children who have lost a loved one.

In short chapters, she explains why we have all these strong feelings, takes away insecurities and feelings of guilt, directs our thoughts into helpful channels.

Farm also deals with different forms of loss such as illness and accident, explains practical questions.

It is a book for anyone who wants to help from the sidelines - and of course for affected adults.

Because they often don't know what to do either.

Best Reading Time:

When You Need Help.

Recommended age:

from 9 years

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Source: spiegel

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