We Need to Talk About Death: An IMPORTANT Book About Grief, Celebrations, and Love

by Sarah Chavez, Neon Squid Narrated by Erin Ruth Walker

Overview

This audiobook features music and special effects.

An educational audiobook that helps grieving children understand what happens when we die, and celebrates the traditions people around the world use to honor the dead.

Death is an important part of life, and yet it is one of the hardest things to talk about-for adults as well as children. Historian and museum curator Sarah Chavez is determined to create a audiobook that sparks wonder and curiosity about dying, instead of fear and shame.

In this informative listen, children will marvel at the flowers different cultures use to represent death. They will find out about eco-friendly burials, learn how to wrap a mummy, and go beneath the streets of Paris to witness skull-lined catacombs! Listeners will also ride a buffalo alongside Yama, the Hindu god of death, come face-to-face with the terracotta army a Chinese emperor built to escort him to the afterlife, and party in the streets to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico.

Through these examples Sarah Chavez showcases the amazing ways humans have always revered those who have died. Full of practical tips, this book won't stop the pain of losing a loved one or a pet, but it may give young listeners ideas for different ways they can celebrate those who have passed away, and help begin the healing process.

A Macmillan Audio production from Neon Squid.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Chavez opens with soothing remarks about how death is a part of life [and] touches on a series of helpful, informative topics. Likely to help normalize a universal experience." —Kirkus

"This little book’s chatty warmth and calm, demystifying approach belies its intimidating title; written by one of the founders of the Death Positive movement, it covers what death is, what happens to dead bodies, the different ways in which people process grief, and global rituals of remembrance. A 7+ school-library essential." —The Guardian

"A good choice for introducing young people to topics of death and grieving." —Children's Literature

"This really is an important book that opens up a space to talk about something that is often consigned to silence – the intimate relationship between life and death, between loving and grieving, and between celebrating and commemorating. A book to be read alone or with loved ones, to start conversations that should be at the heart of everyday life." —Children's Books Ireland

School Library Journal

09/06/2024

Gr 5 Up—Death is rarely a happy topic, but in this middle grade text, it is explained with friendliness and warmth. In 27 concise chapters, Chavez covers everything from a straightforward definition of death; ways different cultures respond to loved ones' deaths; an exploration of various death deities and mythologies; and necrotech, technology dealing with death. Tips for memorials (for both pets and people) are offered here. Burial methods from around the world are delved into. Le Large's illustrations are lightly stylized and multicultural, reminiscent of surrealist artist Jim Nutt's art. Pages are busy and inviting, although the overall design creates a feeling of calm. There's a lot of information packed into this easy-to-read book. A helpful glossary and index round out the text. VERDICT Chavez's prose and Le Large's cartoon illustrations work well together to lighten up what is most often a difficult topic.—Anne Chapman Callaghan

Kirkus Reviews

2024-03-23
An overview of select funerary practices and customs worldwide, offered in hopes of giving bereaved young readers some comfort or perspective.

Introducing herself as a “psychopomp,” or spirit guide for her (living) readers, Chavez opens with soothing remarks about how death is a part of life. She quotes an expert’s savvy insight that grief can’t be “fixed” but with sympathetic help can be “carried.” From there, she touches on a series of helpful, informative topics from funeral home embalming and the stages of physical decomposition to food, flowers, and festivals associated with funerals, as well as memorials of both the physical and virtual “necrotech” sorts. Her wide-ranging discussions of burial practices “green” and otherwise include descriptions of cremation, composting, and aquamation: “People are always inventing ways to make death care more meaningful, accessible, and environmentally friendly.” If some of her glancing claims about many beliefs and practices tend toward the general—“special devices” delivered “libations” to the dead in ancient Rome—they may spur readers on to further research. Sharp comments about archeological grave robbers and racially segregated cemeteries, for example, serve as occasional reminders that the topic has controversial issues. In brightly hued cartoon images, Le Large scatters a racially and culturally diverse cast of corpses and survivors, along with death-related artifacts from hearses and caskets to columbaria and catacombs.

Likely to help normalize a universal experience. (glossary, index) (Informational picture book. 7-10)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160549309
Publisher:	Macmillan Audio
Publication date:	03/05/2024
Series:	We Need to Talk About
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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