Mama’s Going to Heaven Soon - Copeland, Kathe Martin. Illustrated by Elissa Hudson. Augsburg Books, c2005. 28p. $9.99, Paperback. ISBN 0806651229. [E] Death and dying—Juvenile literature.

How do you explain death to very young children? This book was written by a grandmother who felt the need to offer comfort and understanding to her grandsons, aged five and three, when their mother was dying of cancer. She hopes the book will help others as well.

The book opens with picture-book format. Full-page illustrations provide interesting background, and simple text reflects a child’s understanding. Example: “Oh boy! … Can we go with her and see God and the angels too?” Clear and sensitive counseling follows. “So you see, even if you feel sad or scared or worried or angry right now, it’s all right to feel that way. Someday you will feel happy again … remember how much your mama loves you.”

Practical suggestions in the final pages of the book should be especially helpful to an adult faced with explaining death to a child. Among the suggestions: use examples from nature to teach your child that death is a natural part of life; find a safe, quiet place to talk freely with your child; invite your child to ask questions; and share your faith. This little book would be a welcome addition to any congregational library.

Ruth S. Smith
Grace United Methodist Church
Gaithersburg, Maryland