Godfather Death
By Sally Nicholls
The Story
A poor fisherman picks Death himself to be his son's godfather, trusting his honesty above all — but a magical gift meant to lift the family from poverty tempts greed toward a fate no one escapes.
Why It's Special
For families who don't shy away from big, eerie questions, this is a Grimm tale told with the gravity and strangeness it deserves.
- Big idea: Some bargains can't be renegotiated — honesty and greed can't occupy the same hands for long.
- Vibes: Haunting, folkloric, and quietly unsettling, with a fairy-tale hush that never turns cute.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy classic fairy tales retold
- are drawn to stories with a shiver in them
- are ready for themes of mortality and fate
- respond well to atmospheric, painterly illustrations
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story recall: Why did the fisherman choose Death to be his son's godfather?
- Character choices: What do you think Death's gift was supposed to mean for the family?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the fisherman felt when greed started to take over?
- Big ideas: Why do you think nobody in the story can outsmart Death?
- Real-life connection: Can you think of a time when wanting more of something got you into trouble?
