This Book Is For All Kids, But Especially My Sister, Libby. Libby Died.

This book is wonderful. We are sharing them with all of the children at our grief and loss camp and we hope it gives them comfort during such a difficult time. It is important for children to know that they are not alone in their grief and we will use this book to open up dialog so they can begin to understand. We will keep copies of the books at our hospice for all of our families to read.

I knew by the title that this book had something powerful to say, and it didn't disappoint. The first thing you see when you open it is a photograph of Libby... and a picture of a caterpillar that will soon have wings, as Libby's brother, the author, imagines Libby does. In typical kid fashion, brother Jack wonders about what it's like to be dead. He poses sweet questions, funny questions.... Jack lets us know there is plenty of life left in us after we die. This is a book I'll read over and over again... and will give to elementary counselors and teachers. This book is a great comfort to those who have lost someone and those who wonder about death.

This book is an excellent resource for parents and professionals who want to help children express their own feelings about loss. The author learned so much in his five short years, and he shares it with readers in an open, imaginative, captivating manner.

The death of a loved one is difficult to grasp. People often have questions because they can't understand why...now imagine if you are a child. This book looks at the death of a loved one purely through the eyes of a child. In the unfortunate event of death, this book not only helps children understand, but I believe it helps adults cope. If only adults could be as honest and uncensored with their emotions as a child.

Jack and Annette Simon have published an important book-- one that will open up vital dialogue between children and adults on an often avoided topic. Jack's words, full of honesty and insight, provoke as many smiles as tears, and the delightful illustrations are no less powerful for their whisical style. Hats off to Annette for allowing Jack's comments and questions to stand on their own. By not trying to provide pat answers to the mysteries of life and death, she validates the complex feelings of grief with which all of us-- children and adults-- wrestle. Keep this book on your shelf; we are all going to need it sometime in life.