Bereavement Resources for Children:
A Selected Annotated Bibliography
SIDS Specific Books on Grief for Children
Sample J,
Besos y abrazos al aire [Flying Hugs and Kisses],
Centennial, CO: Lifevest Publishing. 2006. 32p.
Flying Hugs and Kisses book is a Spanish-
language resource for families with children who have lost
a baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The book is
about five children who creatively take on roles of support
toward each other while showing their individual feelings about
the death of their baby brother to SIDS.
Available from:
Authors to Believe In
Lifevest Publishing
4901 East Dry Creek Road #170
Centennial, CO 80122.
(877) 843-1007 (Toll-free)
atbi@lifevestpublishing.com (E-mail)
http://authorstobelievein.com/children.htm .
Sample J.
Flying Hugs and Kisses.
Centennial, CO: Lifevest Publishing. 2006. 32p.
Flying Hugs and Kisses is a great resource
for families with children who have lost a baby to Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome (SIDS). The book is about five children who
creatively take on roles of support toward each other while
showing their individual feelings about the death of their
baby brother to SIDS.
Available from:
Lifevest Publishing
4901 East Dry Creek Road, #170
Centennial, CO 80122.
(877) 843-1007
atbi@lifevestpublishing.com (E-mail)
http://www.lifevestpublishing.com
Kane D.
Missing Hannah: Based on a true story of Sudden Infant
Death.
Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse. 2006. 27p.
This simple picture book is written to help
children understand the feelings and thoughts of a little girl
who lost her sister. The message conveyed in the book will
parents help parents tell the story of SIDS to children in
a simple way.
Available from:
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Dr, Ste 200
Bloomington, IN 47403
(888) 519-5121
http://www.authorhouse.com
Roper J, Grimm L., ill.
Dancing on the Moon
Cheverly, MD: SIDS Educational Services, Inc. 2001. 36 p.
This book tells the story of 5-year old Carly
whose little brother, Nigel, dies of sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS). Carly is initially jealous of her brother when he joins
the family, but she soon learns it’s fun
to be a big sister. Then one day she hears a scream from the
baby’s room and soon Mommy and Nigel are
whisked away in an ambulance. That night, people crowd into
the house and everyone is crying. Carly realizes that Nigel
never came home from the hospital and she misses him badly.
For a long time the grownups around her cry. One night Carly
dreams that she has flown to the moon to bring Nigel back to
her sad parents. “My Carly,â€
Nigel says, because now he can talk, “I
rest on your shoulder as you take a walk.†Nigel
tells his big sister that he is everywhere she is, in the threads
of her shirt, the fluffy blankets on her bed, and the wind
in her hair. She wants to bring her baby brother back home
with her, but at the Moon’s edge they must
part. Carly wakes up to see the Moon shining down on her and
realizes that her Mommy was right: Nigel was not gone, he was
inside her heart. The book is written in rhyme by Janice Roper,
who lost her son, Daniel, to SIDS when he was 3 months old.
Her daughter, Selena, who was then 3 years old, was the inspiration
for the book. When her Mommy told her that Danny had gone to
heaven, Selena replied, “I’m
going to go get him back!†The book is suitable
for children ages 3 to 8.
Available from:
SIDS Educational Services, Inc.
2905 64th Avenue
Cheverly, MD 20785
(877) 935-6839 (Toll-free)
(301) 322-2620
(301) 322-9822 (Fax)
sidses@aol.com (E-mail)
http://www.dancingonthemoon.org/
Sanders DB
Helping children grieve: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Rancho Cordova, CA: California SIDS Program, 2001.8p.
This booklet is directed at persons who care
for children who have lost a sibling to sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS), including parents, grandparents, childcare
providers, clergy, teachers, and other friends and relatives.
When a baby dies suddenly with no warning, the whole family
must cope with confusing emotions. Surviving siblings need
a way to express their feelings, they need help and support,
and they need to feel loved and valued. The booklet discusses
the types of emotions that children may feel while grieving
for an infant sibling who has died, including fear, anger,
guilt, and sadness. The booklet also discusses when parents
or others should worry about a child's reactions to the death;
the importance of everyone talking about the death; what one
should and should not say about where the baby went; siblings'
participation in the funeral; ways in which siblings can remember
the brother or sister who died; and how the level of understanding
of death differs with a child's age.
Available from:
California SIDS Program
11344 Coloma Road, Suite 560
Gold River, CA 95670-6304
(916) 851-7437
(800) 369-7437 (Toll-free in California)
(916) 851-5937 (Fax)
info@californiasids.com (e-mail)
http://www.californiasids.com
Spelman CM
Stacy had a little sister
Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company, 1996. 24p.
Six-year-old Charlotte feels sad and angry
after her mom dies in a car accident. Her dad is sad, too,
and often seems too busy to notice Charlotte. But after she
gets into a fight at school, he suggests that they both visit
Anna, a therapist. With Anna's help, Charlotte voices her concerns,
and she and her dad learn that as time goes on, their happy
feelings will get bigger and their sad feelings will get smaller
and smaller.
Available from:
Albert Whitman & Company
6340 Oakton Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053-2723
(800) 255-7675 (Toll-free)
(847) 581-0033
(847)581-0039 (fax)
mail@awhitmanco.com (E-mail)
http://www.awhitmanco.com
Chin-Yee F
Sam's Story
Rancho Cordova, CA: California SIDS Program, 1992. 32p.
"Sam's Story" and its accompanying parent's
guide are intended to increase communication between parents
and their surviving children after the sudden death of a baby,
especially when the death is due to sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS). The book was written to help siblings of SIDS victims
and their families cope with the tragedy of SIDS and with their
own grief. The illustrations are designed to foster an understanding
of the events surrounding the baby's death and to promote family
discussion about the baby's birth and death and resulting changes
in family life. The book is intended for children 3 to 8 years
of age.
Available from:
California SIDS Program
11344 Coloma Road, Suite 560
Gold River, CA 95670-6304
(916) 851-7437
(800) 369-7437 (Toll-free in California)
(916) 851-5937 (Fax)
info@californiasids.com (E-mail)
http://www.californiasids.com
General Books on Grief for Children
Goldman L.
Children also grieve: Talking about death and healing.
Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006. 79p.
This imaginative resource, fully illustrated
with color photographs, offers support and reassurance to children
coming to terms with the loss of a close friend or relative
and to adults who are supporting them through their bereavement.
The combination of narrative and interactive memory book in
the first part of the book is designed to be read and worked
through by children. The story tells of the experiences of
Henry, the dog of a family whose grandfather has died. During
Henry's progress through the different stages of bereavement,
he learns strategies for coping with his grief. At various
stages of the story, Goldman provides readers with the opportunity
to share their own reactions to loss through words and pictures,
using specific prompt questions that encourage the exploration
of different facets of grief. The second part includes a list
of useful vocabulary to help children express their feelings
about bereavement, a bibliography of other useful resources
for both children and adults, and a section that will help
adults to understand and aid children throughout the grief
process. This last section also explains the approach taken
in the story, details typical responses to bereavement, and
discusses useful ways in which adults can discuss and share
grief with children.
Available from:
Jessica Kingsley
Taylor & Francis Group
400 Market St. Ste 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1161
(866) 416-1078 (Toll-free)
(215) 922-1474 (Fax)
orders@jkp.com (E-mail)
http://www.jkp.com
J Johnson, M Johnson
Tell me, papa: Answers to questions children ask
about death and dying.
Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 2005. 31p.
This book is designed to help young children
understand the concepts of death and funeral. The narrator
of the book is a grandpa named "Papa," who explains what happens
when a person dies, the purpose of the funeral director and
the funeral home, what the funeral director does with the body,
what happens at the funeral service, what happens at the cemetery,
and what it means when the deceased person's body is cremated.
Available from:
Centering Corporation
PO Box 4600
Omaha, NE 68104
(402) 553-1200
(402) 553-0507 (Fax)
centering@centering.org (E-mail)
http://www.centering.org
Mills JC.
Gentle Willow: A Story for children about dying.
Washington DC: Magination Press. 2003. 32p.
Written for children who may not survive
their illness or for the children who know them, It helps address
feelings of disbelief, anger, and sadness, along with love
and compassion.
Available from:
Magination Press
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington DC 20002.
(800) 374-2721
(202) 336-5502 (Fax)
magination@apa.org (E-mail)
http://www.maginationpress.com
Wigglesworth P
Penny bear’s gift of love: A story
of friendship between a grieving young boy and a magical
little bear.
Marblehead, MA: The Penny Bear Company, Inc. 2003. 84 p.
The young child in the story, Johnathan Clarke,
is very sad because his mother has just died. A magical little
bear comes into his life to help him work through the first
year without his mom. The story of their special friendship
is told in month-by-month chapters by the little bear, known
as "Penny Bear". While written
for children, the book offers readers of all ages the reassurance
of knowing that the love and memories we have shared with special
people in our lives remain with us forever.
Available from:
The Penny Bear Company, Inc.
Six Elmwood Rd.
Marblehead, MA 01945
(781) 639-2828
bear@pennybear.org (E-mail)
http://www.pennybear.org/
Heegaard ME
Beyond the Rainbow: A workbook for children in the
advanced stages of a very serious illness
Minneapolis, MN: Fairview Press, 2003. 32p.
This book offers an honest, gentle way to
help children face the advanced stages of their serious illness.
Through the creative and interactive drawing activities in
this book, kids can learn to communicate openly about their
illness, master fear and anxiety, develop important coping
skills, discuss concerns about their treatment, share thoughts
and feelings about death, express difficult feelings in appropriate
ways, regain a sense of power in their lives, communicate personal
wishes, and maintain hope.
Available from:
Fairview Press
2450 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(800) 544-8207 (Toll-free)
press@fairview.org (E-mail)
http://www.fairviewpress.org
Schwiebert P
We were gonna have a baby: But we had an angel instead.
Chicago, IL: ACTA. 2003. 24 p.
This special book for children who have recently
lost a sibling-to-be, narrated by a young boy who shares his
and his family’s disappointment and grief
over a miscarriage or loss of his baby brother or sister. It
both directly addresses the issues that children may face over
the loss of an unborn child and also gives parents practical
and sensitive advice to help their children cope with the death.
The practical advice at the end of the book offers support
and guidance to parents and grief ministers as they help children
handle the stress of a miscarriage or stillbirth. The book
is recommended for children 2 and older.
Available from:
ACTA Publications
4848 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640-4711
(800) 397-2282
(703) 271-1030
(800) 397-0079 (Fax)
actapublications@aol.com (E-mail)
http://www.actapublications.com/
O’Neal T, Alley RW ill.
When bad things happen: A guide to help kids cope.
St. Meinrad, IN: Abbey Press. 2003. 28p.
Truly bad things can and do happen in life.
A child’s safe and happy world can shatter
from the impact of a serious illness or accident, death or
divorce, violence or a natural disaster. And while we cannot
shelter children from every hurt and harm, we can begin to
calm their fears, ease their sadness, and help them heal. This
wonderful little booklet will help teach kids the skills needed
for coping with life’s biggest changes and
challenges.
Available from:
Abbey Press
One Caring Place
1 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
(800) 325-2511
800-320-8670 (Fax)
customerservice@abbeypress.com (E-mail)
http://www.abbeypress.com/
Al-Chokhachy E
How can I help papa? : A child’s
journey through loss and healing.
Gloucester, MA: Works of Hope Publishing. 2002. 32p.
This illustrated story is about a close relationship
between nine-year-old Pumpkin and her grandfather. It is about
happy times spent together, their journey when papa gets sick
and how she dealt with his approaching death. The girl gently
learns how to grieve and even have the opportunity to say goodbye
to her grandpa.
Available from:
Works of Hope Publishing
25 Clark’s Road, #308
Amesbury, MA 01913
(877) 887-2828
(978) 388-7520
Elissa@WorksofHope.com (E-mail)
http://www.worksofhope.com/
Simon J
This book is for all kids, but especially my Sister
Libby. Libby died.
Peoria, AZ: MISS Foundation, 2002. 32p.
This book is for anyone who's lost a loved
one especially children dealing with loss. Jack Simon was five
years old when his sister, Libby, died. She'd been born with
a rare disorder and wasn't expected to survive six months.
But she lived three and a half years, giving Jack plenty of
time to get to know her. When she died, Jack struggles to understand
how God could take away his little sister. Afraid to ask questions
that might make someone sadder, children often keep their sorrow
locked inside. Jack's mom, Annette, encourages her son to talk
about his pain, and she insightfully begins a diary. Jack's
questions eventually became the picture book This Book Is for
All Kids, but Especially My Sister Libby. Libby Died. His words
are illustrated with his input by his mom, a graphic designer.
A grieving Jack thought no one in the world could possibly
know how he felt. In truth, his questions are universal. Communication
is especially important at a time of loss.
Available from:
Andrews McMeel Publishing
C/O Simon & Schuster, Inc.
100 Front Street
Riverside, NJ 08075.
(800) 943-9839 (Toll-free)
(800) 943-9831 (Fax)
http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com
Thomas P, Harker L
I miss you: A first look at death.
Hauppauge, NY: Barrons Educational Series, Inc. 2001, 32p.
When a close friend or family member dies,
it can be difficult for children to express their feelings.
This book helps boys and girls understand that death is a natural
complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are
normal feelings for them to have following a loved one's death.
Titles in this sensitively presented series explore the dynamics
of various relationships experienced by children of preschool
through early school age. Kids are encouraged to understand
personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing
with them. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas,
these books promote positive interaction among children, parents,
and teachers. The story lines are simple and direct—easily
accessible to younger children. There are full-color illustrations
on every page.
Available from:
Barrons Educational Series, Inc.
200 Wireless Blvd.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(800) 645-3478
(631) 434-3723 (Fax)
fbrown@barronseduc.com (E-mail)
http://barronseduc.com/
Wolfelt AD
Healing your grieving heart for kids: 100 practical
ideas
Fort Collins, CO: Companion Press, 2001. 128p.
With sensitivity and insight, this series
offers suggestions for healing activities that can help survivors
learn to express their grief and mourn naturally. Acknowledging
that death is a painful, ongoing part of life, they explain
how people need to slow down, turn inward, embrace their feelings
of loss, and seek and accept support when a loved one dies.
Each book, geared for mourning adults, teens, or children,
provides ideas and action-oriented tips that teach the basic
principles of grief and healing. These ideas and activities
are aimed at reducing the confusion, anxiety, and huge personal
void so that the living can begin their lives again. Included
in the books for teens and kids are age-appropriate activities
that teach younger people that their thoughts are not only
normal but necessary.
Available from:
Companion Press
The Center for Loss and Life Transition
3735 Broken Bow Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 226-6050
Fax 800-922-6051
wolfelt@centerforloss.com (E-mail)
http://www.centerforloss.com
Jones EH
Bibliotherapy for bereaved children: Healing reading.
Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley. 2001. 144p.
Children grieve in different ways from adults
and therefore they need alternative strategies to help them
through their grief. Many children, lacking the skills to verbalize
their feelings, feel embarrassed about discussing loss and
react guardedly to one-to-one counseling. Written to help bereaved
children understand and work through their grief, this book
enables them to heal themselves by reading fiction, a process
termed "bibliotherapy." Eileen Jones demonstrates how a well-chosen
book can offer a personal encounter with characters who may
have experienced similar emotions and how books can be read
again and again to provide extended therapy for the bereaved
child. The author analyses in detail one novel concerning bereavement
through the responses of child readers, and reviews a wide
range of other useful books. Bibliotherapy with Bereaved Children
provides a comprehensive list of children's fiction to help
with the process of grief and healing, and is an essential
resource for all those living and working with bereaved children.
Available from:
Jessica Kingsley
Taylor & Francis Group
400 Market St. Ste 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1161
(866) 416-1078 (Toll-free)
(215) 922-1474 (Fax)
orders@jkp.com (E-mail)
http://www.jkp.com
Palmer P, O’Quinn Burke
D., ill.
I wish I could hold your hand: A child’s
guide to grief and loss.
Atascadero, CA: Impact Publishers, Inc. 2000. 31 p.
This book talks about death and dying in
a way that is understandable to young children. The book explains
that it is good to have someone to love, whether that someone
is a Mom, a Dad, a pet, or a teddy bear. But sometimes the
people or pets we love have to leave. People and pets go away
for many different reasons, and sometimes they die. When that
happens, it hurts, and children will have many different feelings
about it, including sadness, loneliness, fear, guilt, and anger.
The book tells children that even though it hurts to feel the
pain of losing someone they love, it is important for them
to express their feelings. If they hold their feelings inside,
it can cause aches and pains or sickness. Many grieving children
cry; others get grumpy, sad, or quiet. It is OK to cry, and
crying is a good way to show how one feels. It also is good
for children to talk about their feelings with someone they
really trust. Another good way to express those feelings is
to write a letter to the deceased person or pet, or draw a
picture. When children are feeling lost and alone, they need
to ask themselves what they really want and need, and how they
can help themselves feel better. They may need to ask for a
hug from Mom or Dad, or to cuddle and rock their teddy bear.
Children must be reminded that it is good to let themselves
feel the empty space in their life when someone they love dies.
Available from:
Impact Publishers, Inc.
P.O. Box 6016
Atascadero, CA 93423-6016
http://www.impactpublishers.com/
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children
35 ways to help a grieving child.
Portland, OR: The Dougy Center for Grieving Children. 1999.
52p.
This guidebook is the result of feedback
from thousands of grieving children and adolescents who have
been helped by The Dougy Center for Grieving Children since
it opened in 1982. The guide is intended for caring parents,
teachers, and adult caregivers who want to support children
who are grieving but are not sure how to go about it. The guide
includes descriptions of other guidebooks produced by The Dougy
Center as well as a list of other recommended books for children
organized according to age level.
Available from:
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children
3909 SE 52nd Avenue
P.O. Box 86852
Portland, OR 97286
(503) 775-5683
(503) 777-3097 (Fax)
help@dougy.org (E-mail)
http://www.dougy.org/
Silverman J
Help me say goodbye: Activities for helping kids
cope when a special person dies
Minneapolis, MN: Fairview Press. 1999. 32p.
An art therapy and activity book for children
coping with the death of someone they love. Sensitive exercises
address the questions and fears that kids may have during such
an emotional and troubling event. Each activity helps children
express themselves through different stages of grief.
Available from:
Fairview Press
2450 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(800) 544-8207 (Toll-free)
press@fairview.org (E-mail)
http://www.fairviewpress.org
Mundy M, Alley RW., ill.
Sad Isn’t bad: A good-grief guidebook
for kids dealing with loss.
St. Meinrad, IN: Abbey Press. 1998. 33 p.
This book is intended as a guide for parents
and other adults who wish to help grieving children cope with
loss. Part of the Elf-Help series, the book is written to be
understood by children in the early elementary grades. It contains
color illustrations of a little elf who is sad because someone
close to him died. The book conveys the following messages
to grieving children: it’s OK to cry; it’s
OK to ask questions about the casket, the body, or what will
happen at the cemetery; it’s not your fault,
even though you think you may have caused your loved one to
get sick or have the accident; it’s good
to share your feelings with someone who cares about you, and
to let someone else know if you are having stomachaches or
headaches or trouble sleeping because of the death; even though
someone you love has died, there will always be people around
to take care of you; you may feel scared that you or someone
else you love will die, too, but remember that most people
live a long life; even though you miss the person who is gone,
you can still be happy with the people who are still here;
you may want to be in heaven with your loved one, but that
person would want you to stay here and do all the things a
child does; when you miss that person, find a piece of clothing
that he or she wore and hold it; do something special during
the holidays to honor your loved one, like putting a special
ornament on the Christmas tree; talk to someone you trust when
you feel mixed up, angry, or confused; if you cannot keep your
mind on your work at school, let your teacher and your friends
know what has happened and that you are very sad right now;
hug your family and you’ll feel better;
don’t be afraid to talk about the person
who died; ask someone to take you to the cemetery to visit
the grave; put a picture of your loved one in your room, or
ask if you can have something the loved one owned to keep as
a memento; and remember that it will take time to feel better
after someone you love has died.
Available from:
Abbey Press
One Caring Place
1 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
(800) 325-2511
800-320-8670 (Fax)
customerservice@abbeypress.com (E-mail)
http://www.abbeypress.com/ (Web site)
Rothman J
A birthday present for Daniel—A
child’s story of loss.
Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. 1996. 50 p.
This children’s book tells
the story of a young girl whose brother, Daniel, has died.
The book, written from the girl’s point
of view, shares with readers what the loss means to her. She
tries to understand her own feelings as well as those of her
mother, father, and sister, illustrating that even family members
have different reactions to the death of someone they love.
The girl reacts to her brother’s death by
wearing his clothes and ordering his favorite foods in the
school cafeteria. The family’s dynamic changes,
too. The little girl used to sit between her dad and Daniel
at dinner; now she sits between her dad and her sister, Debbie.
She realizes that her dad is now the only boy in the family.
Daniel loved his birthday best of all the days of the year,
so the girl’s mother decides that they can
have a birthday party for Daniel, even if he isn’t
there. The whole family goes to a party store to buy helium
balloons and each one picks out two balloons. They write secret
messages to Daniel on pieces of paper and tie the messages
to the strings of the balloons. Then they go outside at sunset,
sing “Happy Birthday†to Daniel,
and let the balloons go. The little girl watches the balloons
until she can see them no more. The book shows how one family
acknowledges the birthday of a child who has died.
Available from:
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive
Amherst, NY 14228-2197
(800) 421-0351
(716) 691-0133
marketing@prometheusbooks.com (E-mail)
http://www.prometheusbooks.com/ (Web
site)
Wolfelt AD
How I feel: A coloring book for grieving children
Fort Collins, CO: Companion Press. 1996. 24p.
Dr. Wolfelt's coloring book for kids ages
3-8 explores many of the feelings grieving children often experience.
The expressive, easy-to-color drawings clearly depict disbelief,
fear, anger, loneliness, happiness, sadness and other normal
grief feelings. And the simple text accompanying the drawings
("Someone I love has died;" "Ever since this person died, I
have felt new and scary feelings. Grown-ups call these feelings
grief;" "Sometimes I feel all alone;" "Sometimes I hurt inside")
provides grieving children with words to describe their new,
sometimes scary feelings.
Available from:
Companion Press
The Center for Loss and Life Transition
3735 Broken Bow Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 226-6050
Fax 800-922-6051
wolfelt@centerforloss.com (E-mail)
http://www.centerforloss.com
Spelman C, Friedman J
After Charlotte's mom died
Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company, 1996. 24p.
Six-year-old Charlotte feels sad and angry
after her mom dies in a car accident. Her dad is sad, too,
and often seems too busy to notice Charlotte. But after she
gets into a fight at school, he suggests that they both visit
Anna, a therapist. With Anna's help, Charlotte voices her concerns,
and she and her dad learn that as time goes on, their happy
feelings will get bigger and their sad feelings will get smaller
and smaller.
Available from:
Albert Whitman& Company
Morton Grove, IL60053-2723
(800)255-7675(toll-free)
(847)581-0033
(847)581-0039(fax)
mail@awhitmanco.com (E-mail)
http://www.awhitmanco.com
Varley S
Badger's parting gifts.
Burnsville, NC: Compassion Books, 1992. 32p.
This is the story of old Badger who is kind,
thoughtful, wise and is not afraid of dying. His only concern
is how his friends will feel when he is gone. When Badger dies
at first his friends are overwhelmed by their loss for Badger
has been a good friend and he is greatly missed. Gradually
the animals begin to remember the things Badger taught them.
Over and over they share stories of remembrances. These memories
made them stronger and less sad. They begin to smile again
for their hearts are full. A lovely book to help prepare children
for the death of someone they love, especially an older person.
Available from:
Compassion Books, Inc.
7036 Highway 80 South
Burnsville, NC 28714.
(800) 970-4220 (toll-free)
(828) 675-5909 (outside U.S)
(800) 970-3350 (fax)
(828) 675-9687 (fax outside U.S)
Heal2grow@aol.com (E-mail)
http://www.compassionbooks.com
O'Toole DR
Aarvy Aardvark finds hope: A read aloud story for
people of all ages about loving and losing, friendship and
hope.
Burnsville, NC: Compassion Books, 1988. 80p.
This story entertains, gives information
about the grief process, and quickens hope and resiliency,
even during times of profound loss. In the story, Aarvy Aardvark
has become an orphan. Aarvy is so sad and upset that he can't
eat or sleep, so full of despair and hopelessness that he wishes
he would die. With empathy and compassion Ralphy Rabbit befriends
Aarvy. Ralphy helps Aarvy understand about grief by sharing
his own loss experiences. He validates the inner strengths
and abilities Aarvy has that can help him endure and persevere
through the longing and through the saddest of times. Then,
through his gifts of practical help and presence, Ralphy Rabbit
teaches Aarvy Aardvark that feelings can be endured, worked
through and sometimes released by expressing them in words
or actions. When Aarvy has an experience that allows him to
remember and name his losses a great change comes about. Ralphy
Rabbit is there to celebrate this change as are we the readers
who can imagine with them how to find the rainbow of hope the
rainbow of every color. Without ever denying the pain of grief,
Aarvy's story shows us how grief can transformed us as it slowly
reconnects us to love, to all that is important in life.
Available from:
Compassion Books, Inc.
7036 Highway 80 South
Burnsville, NC 28714.
(800) 970-4220 (toll-free)
(828) 675-5909 (outside U.S)
(800) 970-3350 (fax)
(828) 675-9687 (fax outside U.S)
Heal2grow@aol.com (E-mail)
http://www.compassionbooks.com
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