Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles, Harcourt Children's Books, 2005.
The main character is 10-year old Comfort Snowburger, whose family owns a funeral home. Two beloved older family members die within a short period of time, resulting in family funerals complete with bratty cousins named Peach. During this period of time, Comfort finds her best friend is distancing herself from Comfort. The book makes wonderful observations about dogs, life and loss. "I am glad to be alive" (p.238) sends a positive note about the world and death and children and family and friends and hope. Great Uncle Edisto says about life: "It's not how you die that makes the important impression, Comfort; it's how you live. Now go live awhile, honey, and let me get back to work." And on the subject of dogs: "Dismay [name of dog] isn't just any dog. If you would only hug him once, you'd see. He's full of good feelings-and they sink right into you when you hug him." [Spoiler alert: Touching part at the end of the book when Comfort loses something very special to her: "Missing people you love is hard." (p. 237).
Excellent story and character development, especially for upper level elementary through middle school aged girl. (Grades 5-8).