An unpleasant subject is the subject of death and grief. However, it happens, and a good way to talk about it is with a story. I will say grab two large, soft, boxes of tissues and you will need them, but you won’t regret trying out the books below. (Both were read via online reader copies.)
Loose Threads: A Story about Me, Mom, and Dad written and illustrated by Airien Ludin (due mid/late October 2024) is a story about how a young girl has everything when she, her mom and dad are together. They adventure, love and have their ups and downs. But one day mom has a big down by becoming ill, and finally leaving them. The anger, sadness and other emotions of a child dealing with the sudden change is relatable, realistic and done in a way that is both for adults and most ages for children. The illustrations are somber colors, tone and detailed in a way to give you much of what is unseen and just felt.
Then there is the picture book Boots by Elizabeth Pulsford and illustrated by Krista Brennan (due November 2024). This time it is not a specific departure we deal with, but the life cycle of a pair of boots. We see how they find their owner, how they support him through his life, and how they see all the wonderful things that happen to him from the mud and marriage and children and finally seeing the day they are left on the porch one final time. The theme of life is bitter-sweet, touching and thoughtful. The illustrations are classically toned, colored and the details are both calming and busy. They are readable on their own, making them a character and supporting the text.
While Loose Threads is aimed more at a child who has lost a mother, Boots would be a lovely gift for an adult who has lost a loved one, or who likes more artistic picture books.