Jewish Books for Children Coping with Death
Compiled by Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman
- Ackerman, Karen, Just Like Max. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1990. When Great-Uncle Max, a tailor, becomes sick and can not longer operate his sewing maching, Aaron becomes his "hands" and together they create something special. The story is set in New York City, with a multi-generational immigrant family. (age 6+)
- Gerstein, Mordicai, The Shadow of a Flying Bird. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1994. A legend from the Jews of Kurdistan about the death of Moses, and how difficult it is to give up life.
- Haas, Shelly O., Daddy's Chair. Maryland: Kar-Ben Copies, 1991. A young boy sits shiva with his family after his father's death, learning about jewish customs pertaining to the week of mourning, and coming to grips with his father's death.
- Pachman, Ilene Munetz (illus. by Karen Ostrove), Like a Knot in My Shoelace. United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 1999. This back-to-back book provides a version for boys and girls who are experiencing the loss or yahrzeit of a grandparent. There is "Seth's Version" and "Beth's Version." In both cases, a young child paints a picture of memories of a beloved grandfather, recalling the good times, the lessons Grandpa Morris taught, and the sadness of his death. The presence of parents, lighting a yahrzeit candle and helping the child to remember a grandparent with love, is felt throughout the book. This book can help young children with grief. (ages 4 - 7)
- Pomerantz, Barbara, Bubby, Me, and Memories. New York: UAHC, 1983. This books helps children confront the feeling of loss when a loved one dies. A child evokes memories of her grandmother and learns to convert her pain into a positive memory.
- Rosman, Steven, Deena the Damselfly. New York: UAHC, 1992. A damselfly nymph vowls to solve the mystery of why older nymphs are disappearing when they reach maturity, but she is not prepared for her own startling transformation. A celebration of change and the life cycle.