The death of a pet is difficult for most families, but it is especially difficult for young children who do not, as yet, understand the concept of death. Most young children will frequently ask when the pet is coming back, as if it were just away for awhile. The following books can help with explaining to pre-school children and early elementary school children what happened to the family pet.
“When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death” Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown (1998)
“Lifetimes” Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen (1983)
Moving can also be difficult for a young child who has just started school and made friends. A book by Cynthia MacGregor, “Why Do We Have to Move?: Helping Your Child Adjust With Love and Illustrations,” may be the help you need to explain the whys of moving.
Sometimes we are at a loss for words in speaking to a young child about why a family member gets seriously ill. Little Parachutes has series of books that deal with dementia, cancer and other hard to discuss diseases.
Pocket