Why Did Grandpa Die? A Book About Death

by Barbara Shook Hazen

A young girl finds it difficult to accept that her grandfather is really dead, but always remembers his stories and the wildflowers they planted in the garden

Genres: Grief, Childrens

72 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 1985

Reviews

[slauderdale]

I had read this book several times as a kid, years before any of my grandparents died, and I don't think it hurt me to have some idea of that in advance. I'd like to start reading it with our own kids soon. Sadly, life doesn't wait: they have already lost one grandfather, but still have two living (my father and my wife's stepfather), along with two grandmothers. They're still very little, just turned two, but we read them other books that they can't fully understand yet and that hasn't hurt their interest or enjoyment in those books. As they do begin to understand, I think it helps to have a story and characters for them to relate to.

ETA 3/16/23:
Those little heathens shredded my book! XD We'll see if we can get another second-hand copy: it is still an effective and simply told book - besides which, they loved it to distraction. I think our son especially is a Molly-and-Grandpa fan. It was more tape than book at the end.

[Stephanie Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw this book on the shelf in a classroom and read it. It's a simple book that addresses death in a way children can relate to. I would recommend reading it with children who might be confused about the death of a loved one.

[Bearded Book Nerd]

My parents read this book to me when I was 4 years old. It helped me get through the death of my grandfather. I'll never forget the message. The story had stuck with my for my entire life. I definitely recommend this book to a young one in a grieving stage.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like having this as part of my pagan parenting library. The book does not showcase any particular religious beliefs. Grandpa, it is explained, is dead and won't be coming back to play with his granddaughter. He isn't shown in heaven and God isn't brought into it, which is very helpful. Instead, the grieving girl finds relief by remembering what she loved most about her time with her Grandpa and went on to share those fun activities and special hobbies with her own children as a way to keep Grandpa's memory alive.

[H. Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicles of Han Storm Book Club Read (Children)

A sad book. We all deal with death at some stage in our lives. We lost Grandpa some years ago and my youngest read this book as part of an assignment. She mentions that time did help the heartache, but she still remembers him, even though she was very little when he had passed on. She could relate with Molly and understands that she is not the only person who had to say goodbye to a loved one. Sharing lightens the longing a bit.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in the library at my summer camp, and my friends and I read it at least 5 times. Its actually quite touching.