Why Did He Die?

by Audrey Jane Harris

A mother explains death to her young son

Genres: Picture Books

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Taralen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book wedged in the Library between some other stories. I seldom see death as a topic for Children’s books and even the author acknowledges this fact in her foreword. The illustrations enhance the dark topic with its heavy brush strokes and desaturated colors. The writing however isn’t dark and it helps take away the tension from such a heavy topic.
Maybe I’m thinking too hard on this one but it seems like the topic of death only focuses on illness in this book. She doesn’t explain to her son that death can be caused not only by sickness but by other means. I guess she decided not to because that’s something he’d discover overtime anyway.
I recommend this book for children who have lost a loved one. It can help them understand death with a more positive light.

Enjoyment: 4/5
Story Itself: 4/5

[Abby Peskin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like the lessons this book teaches on the theme of bereavement. 1) Using nature metaphors about how trees fall in the fall and come back in the spring make it seem like the dead person will come back to life in the spring. 2) The metaphors about machines with motors dying in cars are also confusing, because you could just buy a new motor. 3) Telling a child that they for sure will not die until they are old is something you cannot guarantee, and so it is a lie. It is a simple way to reassure them, but you need to explain that they probably will not die, because they are healthy, etc., etc.

The rhyming language in this book seems extremely forced and not natural. A lot of the intended plot line gets sacrificed due to the need to make the next line rhyme. I feel like the story may have flowed better if the author hadn't made the decision to rhyme.

[Stephanie Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scott's friend's grandfather has passed away and Scott asks his mother about death. She explains that everything must die, some sooner than others. She also says that while the physical part of something dies, its memory lives on within people.

[Shelby Troutman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be great to use if a child has someone close pass away. While the child is gone I could read the book to the class to help them understand.