Always and Forever
by Alan Durant

Fox lives with Otter, Hare and Mole; to them he is the father of their little family. When he dies they are filled with sadness and do not know how to cope without him - they miss him so much. Months later, Squirrel reminds them all how funny Fox used to be, and they all realize that Fox is still there in their hearts and memories. Debi Gliori's illustrations perfectly capture the emotions of the text. This is an ideal book to read to small children who have suffered bereavement. (Suitable for 3 - 7 years)

Private Peaceful
by Michael Morpurgo

Despite being underage, Thomas Peaceful enlists with his brother Charlie to serve with the British Forces in World War I. They are sent to France where they are confronted by the harsh realities of brutal trench warfare. One night, Tommo keeps a vigil and remembers. He recalls his first day of school, the death of his father, his mum working hard to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table. He remembers his brothers: Charlie and their friendship and Joe, his special brother who was always singing 'Oranges and Lemons'. He also remembers Molly, and how Charlie took her away from him. Not for the faint-hearted as Morpurgo paints a graphic picture of the grimness and squalor of war. This is a poignant story with an ending that is both shocking and memorable. (Suitable for 11 years and over)