When someone is not expected to live (pre-bereavement)

As Big as it Gets

Julie Stokes and Diana Crossley

This booklet aims to help families cope with the serious illness of a parent or child. It provides a range of ideas for parents and carers so that they may feel more able to explain to their children what is happening. The booklet also includes some suggestions about what parents might say to children and how to offer support.

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Beyond the Rainbow: A Workbook for Children in the Advanced Stages of a Very Serious Illness

Marge Heegard

This book provides children and their caregivers a broad range of opportunities to express thoughts and feelings related to advanced stages of a life-threatening illness. The book has a warm interactive quality to it. Through the creative activities it offers, children can learn to communicate more openly about their illness, develop coping skills, express personal wishes, foster hope, and share thoughts and concerns about death.

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Cuddles are Forever

Justin Brown

Ben and Seren had been wondering, and worrying, about something very important. When they find the courage to ask Mum the big question, they discover something truly magical.

Cuddles Are Forever uses the wonder of science to explain how part of us never dies, and is perfect for children and adults who may be grieving for, or worrying about, the death of a loved one.

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Fox & Goldfish

Nils Pieters

Fox knows that Goldfish is very unwell and is going to die. Before it’s too late he takes his friend on an epic adventure beyond the fishbowl. This story shows the importance of spending precious time with someone who is ill and doing things together whilst the ill person is still able to. This is important in building memories for a child, and for the person who is ill, of spending precious moments together. It would be particularly relevant and useful in preparing a child for the death of a special person in their lives.

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Golden Flowers for Little Dragon

Ffion Jones

This book follows a dragon family’s journey through loss and grief following the death of the youngest sibling, Little Dragon. Covering life before Little Dragon dies, his death, and then the period of time after his death, the book supports children preparing for or coping with the death of a sibling, including those with rare or undiagnosed conditions. By focusing on how Little Dragon’s brother and sister are affected by his illness and death, the book normalises confusing emotions that may seem overwhelming to a child faced with these circumstances.

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Ida, Always

Caron Levis

A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears.

Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn't going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him--through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favourite spots.

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Little Elephant Visits the Hospice

A children’s activity, information and emotional processing book designed with leading palliative care professionals and child psychologists to support children as they negotiate the palliative care system with someone special to them. 

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Only one of me - A love letter from Dad

Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen 

Only One of Me - A love letter from Dad is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a father or father figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo.  Also available in Welsh.

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Only one of me - A love letter from Mum

Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen 

Only One of Me - A love letter from Mum is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a mother or mother figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. 

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Saying Goodbye to Nanny

Lorna Vyse

This book sensitively explores how the death of her nanny impacts on Ivy-Rose's life. It offers a realistic and honest account of serious illness and end-of-life care.  It is targeted at children aged 7-9 years but is suitable for other ages. 

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The Secret C: Straight Talking About Cancer 

Julie Stokes

Cancer in the family is hard for everyone. How can adults explain when they themselves are trying to come to terms with the implications of the diagnosis? This book offers simple, honest explanations of what cancer is and how it affects someone. It also gives short explanations of treatments such as radiotherapy. It will help adults to answer difficult questions children need to ask.

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The Window

Laura Gehl

All the other windows in the hospital look out on dull, grey buildings, but Daria and her grandpa can see the beach from the window in his room. Whenever Daria visits, she and her grandpa sit and watch crashing waves, flying kites, and happy families. Daria hopes for the day she and Grandpa will be able to visit the beach and build sandcastles together.

Accompanied by notes for parents and guardians written by Dr Sharie Coombes, child and family psychotherapist, on how to support children who are experiencing a bereavement. 

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