Josh: Coming to Terms with the Death of a Friend

by Stephanie Jeffs, Sue Doggett (Editor), Jacquie Thomas (Illustrator)

This sensitive story, from a child's perspective, moves through the pain and emptiness of grief and loss, to the sadness and acceptance of death and burial.  It explains not only what happens to the body of a dead person, but also that we will be safe in heaven after we have died. For ages 4-8.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 21, 2005

Reviews

[Karly Kovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book teaches a lesson that all little kids need to learn at some point in their lives. It teaches about the death of a person. In Josh's case it is his little friend Max. Max dies and Josh doesn't understand why they are putting him in the ground. He is confused and does not know why they are taking him away. This book talks about the death of people and what happens to their bodies. It also talks about heaven and that that's where they go once they die. I thought this was a great book that teaches a great lesson to little kids.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quiet picture book focuses mostly on young Josh's sadness over the sudden death of a beloved adult friend. It touches briefly on the religious aspect of the spirit, the funeral, modes of burial and mourning at the cemetery. There is quite a bit of text so parents will want to read and discuss this book together with their little ones. Ages 5 +

[Joshene Bersales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t expect to like the book because of its unappealing cover and depressing theme, so I’m quite surprised how moved I was by the end of the story. If it weren’t for the artwork style, I probably would have given the book five stars.

Complete review here: http://fetishforbooks.wordpress.com/2...

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh loses his adult friend Max and his mom helps him work through his feelings. No overt Christianity, but there is talk about God and heaven.