Let's talk about death: examining the use of picture books that address bereavement and loss for Muslim children in Saudi Arabia

The objective of this research study was to investigate whether a picture book that deals with young children’s understanding and acceptance of death and bereavement could be created, and can such a book work within the cultural context of a Islamic Saudi Arabian family? Using an art practice-based methodology, three prototypes were developed using an iterative approach, where particular emphasis was placed on studio experimentations, in tandem with literature review and observational research. The use of journaling and sketchbooks were key in recording new insights and knowledge. A thematic analysis of qualitative data gathered from Islamic parents and children (aged 5-8) from Saudi Arabia through semi-structured interviews, in addition to reviews and free format discussions with publishers, childhood bereavement experts, and picturebook experts were carried out. The findings, new insights and knowledge found from the interviews and reviews were embedded in the last prototype (3) of the children’s picture book The Memory Box. The view that a biblio-therapeutic approach helps children with bereavement through reading fiction was justified. However, picture books rely heavily on symbolism to convey meaning through the visual narrative. For such books to be found acceptable in Saudi Arabia, advanced technical skills for children’s book illustration to develop such a unique visual and textual narrative were required to communicate within the culture, its conventions and be considered acceptable and beneficial by the readers, and the need for specific interdisciplinary knowledge and insights should not be underestimated. This research study concluded that there is an unmet demand in Saudi Arabia for such a children’s picture book, which when fulfilled can help facilitate beneficial conversations on childhood bereavement and loss in an Islamic family context.