The most moving, magical and beautifully honest films and books I've seen and read have all been ostensibly aimed at children. I am currently in pieces after re-watching Bridge To Terabithia
I recently watched another of my favourite films, A Matter Of Life And Death and have always felt that there was one major flaw to the story. I have never been able to understand why a willingness to die for someone proves your love for them.
Jess in "Bridge To Terabithia" truly knows what love is: He grieves, but he doesn't put his life on hold because of the dark, gaping hole that threatens to fill it. Instead he takes all the joy and beauty that Leslie brought into his life and passes it on to his little sister. There can be no better tribute.
A book that addresses grief, and that you might pass by because it's "a kid's book" is The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers. This has the dubious honour of being the first book to ever make me cry on public transport. It covers the themes of love, joy, wonder and the loss of these with a subtlety and simplicity that is often missing in books aimed at adults. It will break your heart and mend it again in the space of 32 beautifully illustrated pages.
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