The Mystery of Death: What We Know and Don't Know

★ "Showcases death in an honorable and realistic way. Featuring stunning artwork and an age-appropriate approach to the topic of death, this short and informational book is a must-purchase." -- School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review

Death is a natural and necessary part of the cycle of life.

When any living creature is born, it is destined to die. But death is not the end. Organisms decompose into nutrients that other living things use to survive. Dead trees serve as new habitats for fungi, insects and small animals. Even stars, once they've consumed all their hydrogen, die and can transform into red giants, white dwarfs or supernovas. Discover funeral traditions of various religions, cultures and animals. Learn how animals have found ways to survive for longer through evolution, and for humans, through medicine and healthcare. Read about gods, goddesses and symbols of death. And find out what happens once we're gone.

With a blend of science, psychology and culture, The Mystery of Death introduces young readers to the big questions surrounding death. By learning more about death, we can begin to see it not as something frightening or unknown, but as a natural part of life.

Soledad Romero Mariño studied and worked as a creative art director for more than a decade, but not feeling fulfilled, she reinvented herself by following her passion for books and becoming a writer. As the daughter of a comedian and a ballerina, she grew up playing behind the scenes, surrounded by a world of fantasy. Since 2017 she has published more than 20 books. Soledad lives in Barcelona.

Mariona Cabassa has been working as an illustrator for over 20 years. She studied illustration at the Massana School of Art, followed by a postgraduate year in Strasbourg, France. A tireless explorer devoted to creative life, she has published almost 100 children's books in the past two decades, in various languages and countries. Mariona has also worked on projects illustrating puzzles, games, vinyls, posters and stationery. She lives in Barcelona.

Lawrence Schimel writes in both Spanish and English and has published over 130 books as author or anthologist in a wide range of genres, including fiction, poetry, graphic novels and children's literature. His children's books include Early One Morning, Bedtime, Not Playtime! and Lucky Me, which was chosen for IBBY'S Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities and won a Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Lawrence is also a prolific literary translator of over 200 books, including Newborns: How Baby Animals Come into the World, RO-BO and Cristina Plays, which received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. His translations have won a Mildred L. Batchelder Honor and an Américas Award Honor (twice), among other distinctions. He lives in Madrid.