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The death of a child - a book for families ISBN: 9781856812504
Rowe, Gavin and Wilkinson, Tessa
Published by Julia MacRae, 1991
Tessa Wilkinson was a bereavement counsellor for the Helen House Children's Hospice in Oxford, and it was there that she saw the need for this book. The first half has to do with support and help for the family, practical considerations, and the feelings others are likely to have in relation to the family. The second half is a story to be shared with children. The little boy's brother is very ill, and soon he is told he is dying. His brother is brought home and given every care, and when he dies, the little boy sees him. He is 'different, as if something was missing'. The family help to wash the body and put on his favourite track suit, and, later, his teddy is put in the coffin with him. When the little boy asks where is brother is now, his mother explains with the analogy of chrysalis and butterfly. After the funeral (in a church) everyone comes to a 'sad party'. The little boy chooses some of his brother's toys to keep, and he and his parents cry together and talk about his brother. His friends don't mention him much, and this makes the little boy sad: 'He was my brother, and I will never forget him'. Soft charcoal drawings are most appropriate. An important book.
Age: 6+ (for the story)