The November edition of the RTÉjr Book Club was held back to coincide with a new reading guide from our friends at Children's Book Ireland. Here, Ruth Concannon tells us more on their Loss and Grief reading list and shares some of the featured books.
As the evenings get darker in November and time ticks towards the festive period, our minds can often wander to the loved ones that we will miss most during times of togetherness. Loss can often initially affect young children through the passing of a pet or beloved grandparent and tricky feelings around grief can affect us all, no matter our age.
From 17 to 23 November, the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network mark Bereaved Children's Awareness Week. Inspired by this, Children’s Books Ireland has created a recommended reading list on the topic of bereavement. The Loss and Grief reading list is aimed at readers from five years up to young adults, covering a range of losses from family members to friends. We hope that the stories recommended here can provide support and comfort for anyone struggling to process the loss of someone important to them.
Below are some examples of stories you will find recommended on this list. To download the Loss and Grief reading list for free and for more stories on bereavement visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
Ava and the Acorn by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, Hodder Children’s Books, 32PP, ISBN 9781408366943
Ava and Grandad follow the life cycle of an oak tree throughout the seasons. One day, there is a storm, and Ava must say goodbye to both the tree and to Grandad. The loss of a grandparent can often be a young child’s first experience of bereavement that can leave them full of questions. The comforting images of the natural world enhance the overall reading experience and creates a sweet story of grief sensitively told through words and imagery at an accessible level for young children. (Age 5–7)
The Fun We Had by Charissa Coulthard and illustrated by Sam Usher, Simon & Schuster, 32PP, ISBN 9781398524484
This story has captured perfectly the challenge a young child has of understanding a relative getting sick and passing on. The sporadic visits to Nana’s bed continue, till an empty bed remains. Coulthard has infused the book with positivity, sharing familiar memories that demonstrate the joy the child has brought to her Nana’s life. This story will be a bittersweet read for any grieving family, but a valuable one. Hopefully it will be the catalyst for new adventures and new memories. (Age 5–7, 8–10)
Mór agus Muilc by John Óg Hiudaí Neidí Ó Colla and illustrated by Kim Sharkey, Éabhlóid, 28PP, ISBN 9780995611993
Scéal béaloidis ó Ghaoth Dobhair atá sa leabhar seo. Pléann an scéal le téama teibí an bháis agus iarrachtaí éalú uaidh. Tugann Mór agus Muilc na cosa leo ag cur ceisteanna ar charactair éagsúla eile faoin mbás. Tá reacaireacht chiorclach in insint an scéil leis an léitheoir a mhealladh agus chun go rachaidh na ceisteanna móra i bhfeidhm ar an léitheoir ar leibhéil éagsúla. Tá an-tuiscint ann do shuíomh an scéil agus tá an fharraige mar chúlbhrat ag gach eachtra a thiteann amach ó thús deireadh. (Aois 5–7, 8–10)
The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo and Illustrated by Alice McKinley, Walker Books, 208PP, ISBN 9781529507911
Callie left behind everything she knew when she and her dad moved to the foot of the Mourne Mountains. She’s homesick and misses her mum, who died when she was seven, more than ever. Luckily, a major magical accident in her backyard brings her some potential new friends when she least expects them. Facing some big emotional challenges in this adventure: the loss of a parent, homesickness and navigating new places and people, the magic Callie encounters becomes a tool to help her cope with these big feelings. (Age 8–10, 10–12)
Finn Jones Was Here by Simon James Green and illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson, Scholastic, 273PP, ISBN 9780702303647
Eric and Finn have always been best friends, so it is difficult for Eric to process when Finn becomes ill and passes away. But, at Finn’s funeral, Eric is approached by a mysterious man who delivers a letter from beyond the grave leading Eric on a wild adventure to carry out Finn’s final wishes. Nothing can prepare you for the death of a friend, but this funny and touching book might prove to be a comforting story for young readers who have experienced this sad loss. (Age 10–12)
The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 336PP, ISBN 9781526642783
Edie and her little brother Pip go to stay with their grandmother near Lough Ivarr in Northern Ireland. While Pip is thrilled to explore the area, for Edie, the valley brings back happy memories of holidays with their late father, it now feels painful to visit. Lough Ivarr is steeped in Viking folklore, and Edie soon discovers a hidden diary with a link to her father, a local legend and a mysterious new friend that helps her find new depths of courage. A spooky mystery that gently explores processing grief. (Age 10–12)
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Manager for Children’s Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading. Our mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books.
We share our expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. We support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through our work.
Go to www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more about great books.
