Cry, Heart, But Never Break: Children's Book on Death (Review)

One of the hardest things in literature, and especially children's literature, is to portray death in a way that invites a less fearful or condemning attitude towards this phenomenon. 

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There are a few children's book that have sought to introduce children to death.  How to breach such a sensitive subject to minds who are innocent and not yet understanding of the impermanence of life?  It's tricky for sure. 

However, I would say that 'Cry, Heart, But Never Break' has managed this in a magnificent way.  While portraying the character, death as gentle and understanding it also does not shy away from the realities of death.  This is especially great for kids who have or are experiencing the death of a loved one and don't know what to make of it. 

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Written by Glenn Ringtved and illustrated by Charlotte Pardi, the book is a masterpiece, and highly recommended for parents who have grieving children or who simply want to teach children about this delicate subject in a gentle and sensitive way.

One of the things I especially love about the book is the emphasis that death is needed and that it makes life all the richer. 

For more information and another great review of this book, check out Cry Heart But Never Break: A remarkable meditation on loss and life.