Some things are hard to talk about. But life happens and along with it, there is the passing of loved ones. When that time comes, Cry Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved (illustrated by Charlotte Pardi), might help. Death comes calling on Grandmother one evening. Her four grandchildren try to trick Death by keeping him awake until dawn, for everyone knows Death only does his work at night. As the night passes, Death tells the children why he comes through a story of the brothers Grief and Sorrow and the sisters Joy and Delight who, cannot live without the other. It is the same with life and death, Death explains, for each brings meaning to each other. In this story, Death is not a cold heartless reaper, but a gentle soul who loves life and people.

Recommended for grief counseling 

Ages 6 and up