Cry, Heart, But Never Break

By Glenn Ringtved, Charlotte Pardi (illustrator), Robert Moulthrop (translator)

Book cover of Cry, Heart, But Never Break

Book description

Aware their grandmother is gravely ill, four siblings make a pact to keep death from taking her away. But Death does arrive all the same, as it must. He comes gently, naturally. And he comes with enough time to share a story with the children that helps them to realize…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Cry, Heart, But Never Break as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

“In the far north, in a small snug house, four children lived with their beloved grandmother,” begins this gentle tale. I’ve never made it through this book without crying. I bet you’ll cry, too.

Translated from Danish, Glenn hits the chord of loss with universal truths shared by a visit from Death himself. He’s a respectful visitor who leaves his scythe outside to not scare the children when he comes for their grandmother.

Death has a “heart as red as a beautiful sunset and beats with the great love of life.” He tells them of opposites, of dark and light,…

From Robin's list on picture books for healing from loss.

A book for children and adults translated from Swedish. A poignant story of four children who try to trick death into not taking their ill grandmother. The children think that Death only takes people at night, and that by refilling his coffee, Death will leave in the morning. By the fourth attempt at a refill, Death puts his hand over the cup. The children go upstairs and see that their grandmother has died, and Death, standing by the window says to them, “Cry, heart, but never break.” 

The book inspired some of the material for chapter five that a heart…

Want books like Cry, Heart, But Never Break?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Cry, Heart, But Never Break.

Browse books like Cry, Heart, But Never Break

Book cover of H is for Hawk
Book cover of Grief Is the Thing with Feathers
Book cover of The Heart and the Bottle

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,592

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in loss, death, and mourning?

Loss 123 books
Death 398 books
Mourning 153 books