What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?

Book excerpt: Help kids understand what death means and how to cope when they’ve lost a special person. What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? speaks directly to kids about what death means and how to cope. The book explores the questions kids have about death—Why? How? What next? Is it my fault? What’s a funeral?—in basic, straightforward terms. Also described and discussed are the overwhelming emotions involved in grieving: sadness, fear, anger, and guilt. The book offers practical strategies for coping with those emotions and suggests meaningful ways to remember and honor the person who has died. When author Trevor Romain’s father died, Trevor didn’t know what to feel, say, or do. Shocked, saddened, and confused, all he could say was . . .wow. As he started understanding what had happened, he began writing about his experiences and feelings. What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?—simple, insightful, and straight from the heart—is for any child who has lost a loved one or other special person. This book, full of concrete advice and expressive illustrations, offers the comfort and reassurance that children need during these difficult times. Written to and for kids, it’s also recommended for parents and other relatives, educators, counselors, and youth workers.