September – Book of the Month

Explaining (sudden) death in words very young children can understand

‘Is Daddy Coming Back In A Minute?’ – Elke and Alex Barber

When we were on a No Girls Allowed! holiday, my daddy’s heart stopped beating and I had to find help all by myself. He was very badly broken. Not even the ambulance people could help him…

This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help explain the concept of death to children aged 3-7. Written in Alex’s own words, it is based on the real-life conversations that Elke Barber had with her then three-year-old son, Alex, after the sudden death of his father. The book provides reassurance and understanding to readers through clear and honest answers to the difficult questions that can follow the death of a loved one, and carries the invaluable message that it is okay to be sad, but it is okay to be happy, too.

“This is a beautifully illustrated book that can be used to help very young children understand that someone they love has suddenly died. It uses simple to understand language to explain that death is final and what to expect at a funeral and the days after.”
Lucy Coote – Rosedale’s Community Ambassador and Bereavement Support Group Facilitator in Suffolk

Reviews

“A beautiful book that will undoubtedly help so many; I would highly recommend it.” – Richmond’s Hope Bereavement Project

“I can think of no better way to communicate with a very young child about a sudden death. This book will be highly recommended on our suggested reading list.” – Winston’s Wish

“Finding a book on sudden death suitable to be read with a pre-school child is very difficult; this one fills the gap admirably.” – The Child Bereavement Charity

“It embodies the best in writing and illustration for children.” – Healthy Books

Rosedale’s Bereavement Library

Each branch of Rosedale has it’s own bereavement library where you can find all of the books in our ‘Book of the Month’ series. There are books for all ages, and all types of grief. If you would like to find out more, don’t hesitate to contact any one of our branches.

If you wish to purchase it, you can either look in your local bookstore, or order it from an online retailer such as Amazon.