John the Skeleton

Reach for this book when your child is asking big questions about what it means to grow old or is struggling with the concept of death. It is an ideal bridge for discussing how we care for those who are no longer as 'useful' as they once were. The story follows John, a plastic classroom skeleton who is retired after years of service. Instead of being thrown away, he is adopted by a quirky, loving pair of grandparents who treat him as a dignified member of the family. Through absurdist humor and gentle domestic scenes, the book explores themes of belonging, dignity in aging, and the cycle of life. It provides a safe, whimsical space for children aged 5 to 9 to process mortality and the importance of family bonds without the heaviness of a traditional bereavement story.