What Happens When a Loved One Dies?: Our First Talk About Death

Whether children are experiencing grief and loss for the first time or simply curious, it can be difficult to know how to talk to them about death.

Using questions posed in a child’s voice and answers that start simply and become more in-depth, this book allows adults to guide the conversation to a natural and reassuring conclusion. Additional questions at the back of the book allow for further discussion.

Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed the Just Enough series to empower parents/caregivers to start conversations with young ones about difficult or challenging subject matter. Other books in the series deal with birth, diversity, separation and divorce.

Dr. Jillian Roberts is a child psychologist, author and research professor at the University of Victoria, as well as a mother of three. Recognized as one of Canada’s leading voices in child psychology, she is frequently sought by journalists for her expert insights. She also authors a dedicated monthly mental health column for The Globe and Mail, where she examines issues that shape the well-being of children and families. Dr. Roberts is the author of two acclaimed and bestselling children’s book series. Her Just Enough series helps young children (ages 3–6) explore foundational topics such as birth, diversity, and belonging, while The World Around Us series introduces children (ages 5–8) to complex social issues including poverty, environmental stewardship, and online safety. She divides her time between Victoria, British Columbia, and the North Shore of Prince Edward Island.

Cindy Revell’s illustrations have been used on billboards and wine bottles, and in magazines and numerous children’s books all over North America. She has worked with clients like Disney, Penguin Putnam, the L.A. Times and Scholastic. Her illustration of Mallory and the Power Boy (Annick Press) was nominated for a Governor General’s Literary Award for children’s book illustration. She lives in Edmonton.