I Found a Dead Bird: The Kids’ Guide to the Cycle of Life and Death

I found a dead bird. It made me sad…but I also had a lot of questions, like why did it have to die? How did it die? What would happen to it now that it was dead? This is Jan Thornhill’s jumping-off point for an intelligent, sensitive, and wide-ranging look at death and the cycle of life for young readers. Emerging from the idea that death can be a frightening and foreboding subject, but by not talking about it we make it more so, Thornhill guides readers through difficult but highly relevant terrain. From lifespans to how things die, to what happens after death, and on to how we mark and cope with death, Thornhill takes a comprehensive look at the subject. Thornhill faces the subject head-on and always tackles issues surrounding death with respect, injecting humor at times. The unique perspective is remarkably life-affirming as the book makes connections to the world around us, fitting death into the natural and on-going cycle of life. In her pragmatic style, Thornhill doesn’t shirk from the reality, but she still gives readers scope to think on the more philosophical and spiritual matters surrounding death, without imposing any judgments. This brilliant treatment of the subject of death presents information and issues that readers can ponder and discuss, fulfilling their natural curiosity and interest in life and death.

9 – 13 years