The Funeral [Hardcover]

Norma and her parents are going to her great-uncle Franks funeral, and Norma is more excited than sad. She is looking forward to playing with her favorite cousin, Ray, but when she arrives at the church, she is confronted with rituals and ideas that have never occurred to her before. While not all questions can be answered, when the day is over Norma is certain of one thing  Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his funeral.

This sensitive and life-affirming story will lead young readers to ask their own questions about life, death and how we remember those who have gone before us.

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED CREATOR:

• The Funeralis likely to be the first of many books to be both written and illustrated by Matt James, who has already established himself as one of North Americas most talented picture-book illustrators. The books he has illustrated have won multiple awards and have been named to many best of lists. For example,I Know Herewon the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, and the Governor General's Award for Childrens Illustration; it was also selected for the USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor List and for the Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices List.

DEFTLY HANDLES THEME OF LIFE AND DEATH:

• The book deals with subject matter that is universal though seldom treated in a childrens book in such a direct and honest way and without heavy overtones, providing teachers, librarians and parents with a useful launching pad for discussion. This story perfectly captures the perspective of a young child on the occasion of going to a funeral. While Norma and her cousin are fascinated and somewhat confused, they are also accepting and eager to enjoy the day. The text and art are fresh, original and gently humorous.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:

• Curriculum ties include social studies (heritage / idenlS_