What Is Death

by Etan Boritzer

WHAT IS DEATH? addresses children s natural curiosity about this difficult subject. Introducing the concept of death with examples of customs and beliefs from different religions and cultures, the book also allows the reader to reflect on themes of tolerance, identity and generosity. Reality-based and using a gentle and comforting tone, WHAT IS DEATH? takes an honest approach and encourages children to embrace the positive in life. In its 7th edition, this book has become a standard part of many grief and loss counselor s professional resources.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

40 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[MKF · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a very decent book as an introduction to death. It covered a lot of the different aspects though left out some but that is understandable since this is a kids book.
The first thing I did not like was the part about a friends grandpa who had died. What if the reader or child being read to had lost a grandpa? You would have to get another book or switch the words around which I tried and somewhat failed.
The second thing was I thought the religious and culture beliefs could have been left out. It is okay to mention it but breaking it down to popular religious beliefs of an afterlife was just a bit too much. It distracted a bit from the rest of the book and did not feel like it was the same as the rest of the book. It is an aspect of dying but the author went in depth for that section and not in any other part.
This book is long and so for a younger kid I would recommend you find another book.

[Olga Tsvetkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 yo daughter started talking about death and Jesus this year. I also remember my first realisation that my parents would some day die as a 5 or 6 yo. This book is a great introduction to the complicated topic. I managed the conversation much better than I otherwise would have. It served as a discussion starter.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happens after someone dies is one of the most difficult questions a parent deal with. In his book What Is Death? Etan Boritzer discusses the issue from a multi-cultural point of view. This addition to the What is... series is superior to Boritzer's What Is God?, but still attempts to address too many issues in one short book. There are many, many concepts crowding into the narrative. On the other hand, it may open a door allowing discussion between a parent and child who have recently experienced a death.

Nancy Forrest's illustrations are soft water colors that offer a softened image of death. To be honest the images are a bit too sympathy card looking for my tastes. Since the book is geared toward children these illustrations are appropriate. The paintings do make everyone in the book appear "too white" and not reflecting various cultures appropriately.

There are much better book available on the subject.

[Etan Boritzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for discussing a difficult topic!
Beautiful illustrations, like a child's colorful drawings, fill the pages of this book. The book asks questions as a child might - what is death, what happens to the body when we die, why does everyone want to know about death, what happens to the inside of a person (their funny stories, feelings, thoughts, ideas, love) when they dies?

The answers are sensible. Boritzer talks about what different cultures do with the body, different beliefs of the soul and afterlife (including people who belief nothing happens), what death might be as seen by different people, and how making life meaningful now can help a person's memory live on.

Not a book about grieving, with no definite answers, this is a good book to keep on the bookshelf for the time when the questions will be raised by your child.

[Halina Hetman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Цікаво написана дитяча книжка, що ставить багато питань про смерть та що йде після неї, але не дає на них відповідей. Можна використовувати для того, щоб говорити з дітьми молодшого шкільного віку і слухати їхні думки на тему смерті, щоб попередити виникнення почуття провини або образи на рідну людину, що пішла з життя.