My Dad has become interested in the "Where's Waldo?" books, so Mom & I went to our local bookstore and found a few for him. I was looking at all the shelves, and I found the most beautiful book, yes, in the children's section. It's called "The Next Place", written by William Hanson.
You can read it standing right there by the shelf; it's that short. I made it to page 3 before I sat down. Made it to page 5 before I decided I'd buy it and take it home to finish.
I really urge all of you to find a little time to check it out for yourselves. It's amazing how little snippets of comfort can be found in the most unexpected places. Love to you all.
Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe. Deb

Bobcat now you have done it. Haven't thought of that book since I was teaching. Don't know if I still have my copy-I used to read it to my grade 6 kids-when I retired it had an elastic around it to hold it together. I should reread it as an adult The copy I had(have?) was a pocket book with B&Willustrations. Gypsy

Oh Bobcat now you have done it...
My Grama loved "The Little Prince". When she died (1985), we read a passage at the funeral. The one about ..."in the stars I will be laughing..." (if I am remembering correctly). Beautiful book, kids don't really get it. I think of it more as a long poem. Now I am going to have to go dig around and find that book and re-read it.

http://www.learnoutloud.com/Catalog/Literature/Short-St...reddie-the-Leaf/4983

Another book that is great in helping explain death to children "Freddie the Leaf" by Leo Buscalia.

Hannah, and DONSWIFE, I think children can be so much wiser then we are, I always look through that section.

http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780064434720/When_t...ind_Stops/index.aspx
When the Wind Stops

http://www.beyondindigo.com/articles/article.php/artID/200694
The Next Place

Links to reviews of these books for those who want to know more.

My own all time favorite is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, it's been around a long time. I have doubts that it was ever supposed to be for children. The full text is available on line, but it doesn't provide but a few of the illustrations.

http://www.angelfire.com/hi/littleprince/frames.html

Hannah thank you for that title too. I'm going to look for it when I get to the bookstore again.
I goofed big time - the author I spoke of is
WARREN Hanson.
Sorry if some of you went on a wild goose chase and never found this.

Along these same lines... A most comforting and wonderful (children's) book about passages is "When the Wind Stops" by Charlotte Zolotow. Gorgeous artwork, simple and true message no matter what your religious beliefs are or are not. Check it out.