Talking about Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child

by Earl A. Grollman, Susan Avishai (Illustrator)

Why do people die? How do you explain the loss of a loved one to a child? This book is a compassionate guide for adults and children to read together, featuring a readalong story, answers to questions children ask about death, and a comprehensive list of resources and organizations that can help.

Genres: Parenting, Grief

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 1991

About the author

Dr. Earl A. Grollman, a pioneer in the field of crisis intervention, was rabbi of the Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, Massachusetts for thirty-six years. A past president of Massachusetts Board of Rabbis, he took early retirement from his congregation so that he could devote himself to writing and lecturing. A certified Death Educator and Counselor, he was cited as “Hero of The Heartland” for his work with the families and volunteers of the Oklahoma City Bombing.

Dr. Grollman has spoken at many colleges, clergy institutes, seminaries, physician’s forums, and hospital nursing associations; and addressed many support groups such as Compassionate Friends, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Widows Personal Services. He has also appeared on national television and radio—the Oprah Winfrey Show, Children’s Journal, All Things Considered, and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Recently, he was featured on National Public Radio’s End of Life Series, in the roundtable discussion on grief and bereavement.

Reviews

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

parents need this even if they think they dont

[Vika Pšenakova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though the book says it should be read so they would understand death and grieving. I would never EVER show the book to a kid. I recomend to read it before talking to a kid, as it holds many recommendations, common mistakes to avoid and manuals.

[Abby Peskin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is odd. The writing is what I would recommend telling a child after a death. However, it is written as though it is a speech to be given to the child, rather than a book to read to them. Also the illustrations are a little creepy - they remind me of the Rorschach. If a parent told me they just wanted to talk to their child about death, and NOT read a book to them, I would have them read this book before the talk, and use a lot of the same language. However, this book should probably never be shown to a child regarding death, as even the font is creepy and reminds me of decaying things.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly common sense, but it reinforces and reminds you of some things to be aware of when talking to children about death. I haven't done the read-aloud in the book with my children yet - still waiting for a moment free from distraction to hunker down and read together.

[Eric Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published by Beacon Press in 1971

[Kristen-Marie Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really useful advice in this book. No platitudes, real honesty based conversation suggestions.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book on how to talk to your kids about death and all the various scenarios that entails. My only complaint is that the resource section is badly out of date.