Blackberry Stew

I received this book in just a few days after ordering it. The condition of the book was absolutely fine; just like new!

I chose this book as an introduction to blackberry picking but it turned out to be so much more. This is the story of Hope, whose grandfather recently passed away. She doesn't want to attend the funeral because she doesn't want to be reminded that she'll never see him again. Her aunt Poogee talks with her and asks Hope to remember a good time she spent with her grandfather, saying that she will be able to see him again in her mind's eye. As Hope remembers the day they went blackberry picking, she is reassured that her grandpa is not lost forever - whenever she thinks of him, hears family stories, or makes the blackberry stew that he loved so much, he will be there with her. This is a very sensitive child-appropriate book about losing a family member that isn't preachy or too obvious. The majority of the story details the day spent picking blackberries and their surprise encounter with a snake (I love how grandpa tells Hope that the snake is nothing to be afraid of and that he is their friend, keeping mice away from the house, and encourages her to touch him). My daughter asked for this book over and over again. It would be a good one to have in your repertoire if your child is, or may shortly be, dealing with death.