Product Review: When Someone Dies [Hardcover] (Kindergarten-Grade 2)
People don’t go away like this on purpose, or even set out to make you mad. That’s just what happens . . . when someone dies.
Bob and I had the pleasure of seeing Norm MacDonald doing stand-up comedy years ago where he made this comment that had us in stitches; “I come from a long line of death”. Although it was made in context to an entire joke, it is a realistic truth that life on Earth as we know it has a definite beginning and definite end. It seems that right now in my life there are more people that I know who are passing on than having babies and at times it is difficult for me to grapple with the initial shock of the death of a loved one. Although Brooke is still a toddler, I know that there will be a day when she will have to deal with the inevitability of death and will want to understand it. I want to be prepared to talk to her about loss in a positive way and When Someone Dies was my favorite children’s book on this difficult subject. This is a book I don’t want to have to need; but when I do, I am hopeful this book will offer gentle comfort and support to my child.
When Someone Dies is a wonderfully written book to help children (and, in my opinion, also adults) with the feelings and experiences felt when a loved one is lost. The book is written in second-person perspective in an informal commentary-style that focuses on the child’s experience of loss and grief. It is simply written and has beautiful outdoor scenery with watercolor illustrations that brings a sense of calm. It is a great nurturing book for those who are experiencing the grieving process. It validates the pain of losing a loved one and helps the reader try to understand how to begin to find life in their loss. It is an excellent read and one that I do not think you will regret if you are looking for a book to help talk to your child about death. I am including the words from the last page whose words mirror the entire book’s touching sentiment.
All those experiences we shared lovingly on earth
Are gracefully woven, over time,
Into a wonderful cape of comfort that fits all who loved
The one who went away
About Author Sharon Greenlee: Sharon Greenlee is a grief counselor for children and likes to focus on writing therapy. Greenlee is a former elementary teacher with a Master’s degree in elementary education and currently teaches courses in counseling at the University of Wyoming.
About Peachtree Publishers: With a name like Peachtree Publishers, you just know this is a Georgia based company. Based in Atlanta, Peachtree Publishers is an independent publishing company that specializes in quality books for children. Check out the Peachtree Publishers blog that offers tons of great book selections and contests. They also have an office kitty named Eddie who looks like as sweet as a peach.
When Someone Dies [Hardcover] (Kindergarten-Grade 2)
List Price: $14.95
Momma's Bacon 