We Need to Talk about Death: An Important Book about Grief, Celebrations, and Love

Discover how cultures around the world honor the dead in this beautifully illustrated guide to help grieving children understand death.

Death is an important part of life, and yet it is one of the hardest things to talk about―for adults as well as children. Historian and museum curator Sarah Chavez is determined to create a book that sparks wonder and curiosity about dying, instead of fear and shame.

In We Need to Talk About Death, illustrated by Annika Le Large, children will marvel at the flowers different cultures use to represent death. They will find out about eco-friendly burials, learn how to wrap a mummy, and go beneath the streets of Paris to witness skull-lined catacombs! Readers will also ride a buffalo alongside Yama, the Hindu god of death, come face-to-face with the terracotta army a Chinese emperor built to escort him to the afterlife, and party in the streets to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico.

Through these examples, Sarah Chavez showcases the amazing ways humans have always revered those who have passed. Full of practical tips for coping with death, this book won't stop the pain of losing a loved one or a pet, but it may give young readers ideas for celebrating those who have died and help begin the healing process.

Part of Neon Squid's critically acclaimed series tackling subjects that are hard to talk about, for ages 10 and above.