A Note from Ms. Kate
This is the last piece in Anne’s moving series of blogs, A Loving Left With Me, but it’s not really the end. Perhaps few endings are. But, in this case in particular, it’s not an ending but a new beginning.
Today we’re launching a new section: Auntie Anne. Like The Lavender Librarian before it this section highlights the work of just one member of the Solidarity Team and focuses or their amazing skills and projects rather than the important work of Storytime.
This new section will be a hub for all things Anne. There you can find all of her amazing blog posts as well as content that’s a bit outside of storytime: book reviews for adults and older children. And, of course, anything else Anne decides to think up.
I’m so excited to bring in this new section. And I’m so, so grateful to Anne for putting it together. We’re all in this together. Even if we’re on opposite sides of this great big world.
In Solidarity,
Kate (she/they)
Creator and Executive Director, Storytime Solidarity
When a picture book isn’t right, here is a selection of non-fiction titles that might help explain death to the inquisitive mind.
I have included a book written for adults — but it is based on children’s questions.
Beginnings and Endings With Lifetimes In Between by Bryan Mellonie, illustrated by Robert Ingpen and Dineke Kaye, Samoan translation by Ruby Va’a and Vio Solofa, Tongan translation by Konai Thaman and Taimoni Tongamoa.
The text is in three languages: English, Samoan, and Tongan. A gentle introduction to the life cycle and the knowledge that every living thing has an ending, with a lifetime of living. A highly recommended book. There are other editions available which are not multilingual.
Death is Stupid by Anastasia Higginbotham.
Powerful, simple, direct — and honest. In words children can understand, expressed perfectly. This is a wonderful book for those dealing with grief and the grieving process. And dealing with people trying to help, or be sympathetic (and, really, being neither).
Why Do Things Die? by Katie Daynes, illustrated by Christine Pym, designed by Suzie Harrison.
A simple, direct book about death and grief. The flaps add interest, but also depth to the explanations.
Why Do I Feel So Sad?: A Grief Book for Children by Tracy Lambert, LPC & Elena Napoli.
Simple and direct text helps explain grief and the various reasons someone may be grieving. The text does not limit grief to a death, but brings in different situations.
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions From Tiny Mortals About Death by Caitlin Doughty, illustrated by Dianné Ruz.
Honest and humorous, this is an entertaining look into life after death, including rituals and the decaying process.
Although questions may have come from children, the book itself is not written for them.
Adult intervention may be required for inquiring young minds.
I have included it, as it may help grown-ups deal with children’s questions.
This post is part in a series by Solidarity Team member Anne (she/her)
