Popi’s All Souls Song – Perfect Picture Book Friday

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How do we remember those we’ve lost? How do we help others through their losses when our own hearts are breaking? How can a story help us talk about grief? And how can a story help us celebrate a loved one’s life and the love that remains in the hearts of those who knew them? POPI’S ALL SOULS SONG offers up a few answers…

First, the author sets the stage by showing what Mara and her grandparents have done in past years to celebrate All Souls Day. As a form of remembrance, they walk through their village, singing to those who’ve lost loved ones.

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But this year is different because Popi, Mara’s grandfather, has passed away.

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Mara wonders why they’re still heading out to sing to others since Popi has died. Her grandmother explains that it’s what her grandfather would want, and that others suffer, too.

Mara isn’t convinced. And as they go from house to house, singing, Mara’s heart “ices over.”

Mara asks why they’re singing to those who’ve lost their pets when they have lost Popi. Her grandmother’s explanation is straightforward:

“Grief can’t be measure like snow on mountains.”

And after another question about why they’re singing to people who lost loved ones years ago, when Popi has died just this year, Mara’s grandmother patiently says:

“It is not for us to judge whose loss is the greatest.”

Profound thoughts for children to consider and absorb. When Mara sees tears freezing on her grandmother’s cheeks, she finally understands how hard this must be for her grandmother.

The illustration zooms in to their faces for this realization.

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Mara walks her grandmother home to rest, and then goes back out to the village to continue singing. But when she is done, Mara returns with a surprise, a group of villagers who sing Popi’s song to her grandmother.

This beautiful book, illustrated in icy blues, purples, and pinks, packs a philosophical punch that doesn’t talk down to kids about grief and loss, while also helping them to empathize with others who grieve. It also helpds kids see how someone’s life can be remembered and celebrated after their passing. Truly gorgeous!

One more thing: I know that people often want to read books about grief to children after they’ve experienced a loss. Rather than doing that, I’d like to encourage reading and discussion long before a loss occurs. This will help children learn and develop empathy beyond their personal experience. And at some later point, when loss becomes part of the fabric of their own lives, they will then have a well to draw from to process that experience.

Activities:

Pair this book with DEAR MR. G by Christine Evans, illus. by Gracey Zhang. How do the two stories approach the subject of grief and remembrance differently. How are they similar?

Pair this book with THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT by Jolene and Shaian Gutiérrez, illus. by Gabby Zapata. How do the books differ in tone? Why do you think the authors made different choices? Are the purposes of the two books different? How?

Do you or your family have any special traditions to remember those you’ve lost? Do you leave flowers at a cemetery or talk about your memories? Use your memories to write a poem that shows your love for the person or pet you’ve lost. Include things that you did together. What did their voice sound like? What did they love to eat? Or maybe what games you played together. Start the poem with “I remember….” Try to use all five senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, sight) in the poem.

Title: Popi’s All Souls Song

Author: C.K. Malone

Illustrator: Shelly Swann

Publisher: Beaming Books, 2024

Themes: grief, death, empathy

Ages: Elementary school

For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.