How can I explain death to my child in this situation?

It is naturally for her to be curious. Typically, children under the age of 5 can not comprehend death. Even between ages 5 to 7 there is some understanding of death but they still may think that death is not really irreversable. I would not worry about her dreams, and explain death as honest and brief as you can be since she probably will not fully understand anyways. You are probably right that you should be careful what she watches on the televsision. Prosocial shows (e.g., Seasme Street and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood) have been shown to have some positive effects on children, but the ociation of pediatrics really suggets severely limiting what 3 year old and younger children watch on television (particarly if it is violent).