Death and Grief Depiction in Children’s Picture Books

Abstract

This study explores how death and grief are portrayed in children's picture books in the U.S., emphasizing biological, cultural, and emotional aspects. The study investigates the representation of death in picture books across a range of themes, such as spiritual continuance, emotional expression, causality, and the representation of dead bodies, using a thorough analysis of 30 picture books released between 2000 and 2023. The study explores how text and illustrations interact, revealing the complex ways these components support children's comprehension and processing of death-related concepts. The findings show recurrent themes and a range of depictions of death, highlighting the significance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in handling this touchy subject in children's literature. The article advocates that teachers consider selecting picture books that are culturally diverse to support children. Additionally, it urges bookmakers to embrace a more diverse approach in their illustrations and texts to represent death and mourning to help children relate to these picture books.