GUIDE TO PROCESSING GRIEF THROUGH PICTURE BOOKS

This guide is designed to support the power of picture books to nurture connection and conversations in times of grief. The language and imagery of picture books allow for wide understanding and also, through sharing, for personal grief to be held in community.

By talking about grief through a story, we are able to sit beside our own stories. This can create, even the tiniest of spaces, for us from our own grief and increase our sense of safety in the conversation. This may provide support for all parties as each moves through their grief process.

The initial draft of this guide is intended to specifically to support adults in holding space for students and children in Maine as they process the violence of the mass shootings that occurred in Lewiston on October 25, 2023. These words are dedicated to our local and global community, as we grieve.

DOWNLOAD Processing Grief Through Picture Books (PDF)
Created by Sarah Norsworthy, Picture Book Project.

 

FIREFLY CRAFT

Author Tamara Ellis Smith offers a craft to keep the glow of memory by your side.

 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grief is an Elephant

By Tamara Ellis Smith
Illustrated by Nancy Whitesides
Published by Chronicle Books
ISBN-13: 9781797212258
Age Range: Age 4—Adult

An imaginative and heartfelt book that reminds us that there is no loss without love.

When Grief first arrives, it is like an elephant–so big that there is hardly room for anything else. But over time, Grief can become smaller and smaller–first a deer, then a fox, a mouse, and finally a flickering firefly in the darkness leading us down a path of loving remembrance.

This lyrical work is an empathetic and comforting balm for anyone who is experiencing grief, be it grieving the loss of a loved one or losses in the world around us.

REASSURING FEELINGS BOOK: Children can often feel confused by their emotions. The gentle voice and soft illustrations in this book help to make these emotions feel less frightening, and the hopeful ending provides a reassuring message that grief will transform over time.

TIMELESS REFLECTION ON GRIEF: The perennial themes of grief and sadness, as well as the graceful art style, make this perfect for anyone who is dealing with feelings of loss, whether that involves the loss of a loved one, grieving a pet, managing emotions during or after moving or being displaced, or responding to losses in a community or the larger world.

ACCESSIBLE: The open-ended narrative covers grief in a way that is not directly related to death. Poignant and honest, this book is a resource for parents and caregivers looking for ways to talk to children about grief and other kinds of sadness.

BEAUTIFUL PICTURE BOOK FOR ALL AGES: The exceptional text and art are a soothing treat to read. Like the best social-emotional books for kids, this lovely grief book holds as much meaning for kids navigating new feelings as for adults handling their own or their family’s emotions around loss.

Tender ruminations on loss for the youngest readers.” —Kirkus Reviews