Bird is Dead

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

An honest and simple exploration of death and grief for kids 4 to 8. With playful illustrations by a therapist-turned-artist, Bird is Dead uses humor to make death a more approachable topic.

Bird is dead. Yesterday he was alive. How do the other birds know? On your back + feet up = dead. Some of the birds cry a little. And that’s alright. Crying together can be nice. When it’s time to give Bird a funeral, they reminisce about him, and then have tea with worms (or cake, if you don’t like worms).

In a straightforward but warm way, this picture book of collaged birds can facilitate discussions with kids about:

What happens when someone diesHow to understand their feelings of loss and griefHow everyone can experience grief differently, and have a variety of emotions when something tragic happensSensitive and humorous, Bird is Dead provides kids and adults with a space to talk about death on their own terms.

About the Author

Tiny Fisscher writes for all ages in all genres, and is the author of many books for children.Herma Starreveld was originally a therapist and now works as a mixed media artist.