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A Special Relationship
Where’s Grandma? is a touching picture book that gently helps kids navigate the complex emotions of grief and loss through the comforting memories of a grandmother’s love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I lost my mom I decided to put it into a book and pay homage to her. She was our Queen and we all miss her. I took notice of my family during this time, especially the youngest, my granddaughter Jordyn. Jordyn and my Mother had a special relationship so I decided to capture the beautiful moments that shared together and put it in a book.
The illustrations in Where’s Grandma? beautifully complement the story’s emotional depth. How did you collaborate with the illustrator to bring Jordyn’s journey to life?
I had a plan from the beginning as it relates to the storyline, as well as illustrations, so I never strayed from that. I knew what I wanted to do with the book from the beginning. I gave explicit details to the illustrator to work with, and she brought my vision to life. The illustrations turned out just like I wanted them to. They are amazing.
Can you share any advice for parents or caregivers on how to discuss grief and loss with young children using books like yours?
I know it’s tough, but I’d say start with my book, Where’s Grandma? It’s a great way to start up the conversation. Some kids just shut down and don’t want to talk about it. But this book has journals included to assist children on how to deal with the sadness they are feeling. This book can get the healing process going, for the children as well as their parents.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m working on a children’s Affirmation book. I hope to have it out by the end of the year or in early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Amazon
This book takes you through Jordyn’s journey, as she deals with the loss of someone close and very dear to her. Jordyn’s emotions are up, down and everywhere. Jordyn has so many questions. Where did she go, and what does it mean to transition?
Jordyn looks to her Mommy for guidance on how to deal with her feelings and emotions during this time. Jordyn’s Journeys: Where’s Grandma?, gives you a beautiful view of the close relationship between Jordyn and her great-grandma and brings to light some of the special moments they shared, such as playing games and watching Jordyns’ favorite movie together. It’s a beautifully illustrated children’s book dealing with loss, grief and bereavement, from a child’s perspective.
Jordyn also shares several journals in this book that can be used to assist your child with dealing with their feelings and emotions, as they deal with the loss of a loved one. These journals can help to preserve memories of that special loved one, and help your child as they grieve and deal with their feelings and emotions.
Peace and Perspective
Jar of Tears: Moms Aren’t Supposed to Die follows a young girl struggling with the death of her mom, who questions why God would allow her mom to die as she adapts to a whole new life without her. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for my story is my own story of grief and faith. My own mother died 8 days before Christmas, quite unexpectedly and I was thrown into a new family dynamic within hours of learning the awful news. In order to keep my new stepmother happy, I was discouraged from grieving openly, picking up on messages all around me that grief should be private and very short to prevent others from being uncomfortable. It wasn’t until 30 years later that I saw a therapist who told me my grief was not complete and it was time to go back to it. She assured me that grief will leave on its own timetable, not mine. I began facing the sadness that grief brought and it ended up bringing me peace and perspective. I wanted to share that wisdom with others since we live in a grief-illiterate society in North America.
Miracle’s story is relatable. There is no magic happy ending; instead, it portrays what life is really like after a loved one dies. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
I believe that you cannot protect children from reality, but support them as they process it. I didn’t want kids to read that there is a happy ending, because that isn’t the truth. The truth is that there are little glimpses of happiness and life is very difficult, but there is value in the struggle.
There are so many dynamics within a nuclear family but it’s more complicated with a blended family, which is more often the case after the death of a parent. I wanted children to see that it’s hard for everyone to adapt to change at first, but there can be unexpected blessings, too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I want, more than anything else, for children to know that while their heart is broken over the loss of a loved one, God is in control, He loves us, and He loves us so much that even something as insignificant as our tears are precious to Him. I want children to know that God has a place for our loved ones and us, that we get to enjoy forever if we put our trust in Him. Being honest with God about our anger, sadness, and loneliness is critical in our relationship with Him. It’s important we do not hide our emotions to protect others, but to be honest about them to our loved ones, and God.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Jar of Tears?
I hope readers will find value in the struggle to grieve and understand God’s Will. God can use anyone and anything to bring his children back to him. He can use unbelievers to be His hands and feet, loving on grieving children and providing a hopeful lantern to them while they journey in the dark valleys of grief.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Accompany Mira as she’s thrust into a world of change. She misses her mom. Her heart is broken. Her mom was her best friend, but now she must adapt to a new home, a new stepfamily, and worst of all, a new school. She still has Pastor Will, but Mira’s not so sure God is real anymore. Will Mira ever finish her paintings so she can fulfill the promise she made to her mom before she went into the hospital? How will Mira grieve and still be a kid?
Jar of Tears: Moms Aren’t Supposed to Die
Jar of Tears: Moms Aren’t Supposed to Die is a heart-wrenching story that captures the poignant journey of a young girl, Miracle, who grapples with the loss of her mother to cancer. Before her mother’s death, Miracle leads a joyful life filled with painting, church visits, and gardening. However, her world shatters when her mother’s illness recurs, and she succumbs to an infection in the hospital. This tragic event forces Miracle to move in with her father, stepmother, and two half-siblings. Struggling with denial and grief, Miracle finds it hard to accept her new family. Yet, through newfound friendship, faith, and familial bonds, she slowly begins to paint a new life on a fresh canvas.
Jar of Tears is a comforting read that holds immense value for young readers dealing with grief. Miracle’s struggles and emotions echo the experiences of many children who must adapt to a new life after a profound loss. One particularly moving moment occurs when Miracle’s best friend abandons her for a new girl, adding to her already heavy burden. This betrayal makes Miracle hesitant to share the news of her mother’s death with her new schoolmates. Over time, she learns to trust again, and the overarching message of rebuilding after loss is delivered with profound and powerful prose.
The novel also offers a realistic and sympathetic portrayal of anxiety. Miracle’s experiences, including panic attacks at school, especially during her first Mother’s Day without her mother, are depicted with sensitivity. She begins to speak with a school counselor and attends a support group for grieving children. Her unique coping mechanism is to collect her tears in a jar, believing that God treasures them. This act serves as a tangible reminder of how much she misses her mom. Despite her name, Miracle’s journey is not about miraculous recoveries but about tender, gradual healing. She ultimately understands that love does not vanish with death but transforms and endures.
Jar of Tears is an essential read for young readers navigating the complexities of grief. Its tender portrayal of loss, anxiety, and the path to healing provides comfort and insight. This book is particularly well-suited for children who have experienced the death of a loved one and are seeking solace in stories that reflect their own journeys.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0CZQB75GK
The Memory Quilt
Lori Keating’s The Memory Quilt is a touching exploration of grief, memory, and the healing power of love. The story follows young Grace, who fondly recalls her adventures with her best friend, Jason. Their bond was a source of joy and wonder for Grace, but with Jason’s passing, she faces a world without him. Determined to bring comfort to Jason’s grieving parents, Grace embarks on a heartfelt mission to preserve his memory in a beautiful and meaningful way, supported by her loving mother.
Grace is portrayed as a compassionate and resilient character, deeply affected by Jason’s loss but driven to help those who are also grieving. Her journey is a testament to her sweet nature and determination to honor her friend’s memory. This narrative not only highlights the pain of loss but also the profound impact of a young girl’s efforts to keep a cherished memory alive. Alyssa Grizenko’s illustrations add a profound depth to the story, capturing the innocence and emotional weight of Grace’s memories. One particularly poignant scene depicts Grace recalling moments of catching fireflies with Jason, a visual that resonates deeply with the reader. This scene, like many others, is beautifully rendered and evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia and love.
The Memory Quilt is a deeply personal and evocative tale that resonates with anyone who has experienced loss. Grace’s story mirrors the universal experience of remembering and cherishing the best moments with loved ones while navigating the complexities of grief. The book’s narrative is moving and relatable, touching the very core of what it means to remember those who have left us. Despite its themes of loss, the story shines with Grace’s unwavering determination to keep Jason’s memory alive. The use of quilts as a tactile and personal way to commemorate loved ones is both unique and practical, offering readers a method to integrate into their own lives. This aspect of the story beautifully illustrates how memories can be preserved in tangible and meaningful ways.
The Memory Quilt stands out for its heartfelt approach to dealing with grief and its innovative portrayal of preserving memories. Suitable for readers aged eight and up, it provides invaluable guidance on engaging with grief and navigating complex emotions. Grace’s journey serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the memories of those we hold dear and look forward to the day when we may reunite with them. This story is a beacon of hope and remembrance, ensuring that the light of our loved ones’ impact on our lives will never fade.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0C946Q2TJ
The Girl in the Window
Lindsey Hobson’s The Girl in the Window is an engaging mystery novel with a compelling blend of intrigue and heartfelt emotion. The story centers on Izzy, a personable young girl with a knack for baseball. A misaimed ball into an old Victorian house marks the beginning of her adventure. Despite her initial reluctance to confront the consequences, a nudge from her mother leads Izzy to apologize to the homeowner. This encounter soon unravels into a deeper mystery involving a seemingly invisible girl who appears to Izzy alone, seeking her help to uncover the house’s secrets.
Izzy emerges as a wonderfully crafted character, both brave and imperfect, making her highly relatable. Her loyalty to her family and her strong bond with her siblings add layers to her personality. Hobson skillfully maintains suspense and encourages readers to look beyond superficial judgments, a theme that resonates throughout the novel. Challenges in friendships, particularly with her best friend Max, and a family’s quest for unity are woven into the narrative, enhancing the story’s realism. While the plot initially unfolds at a leisurely pace, it gains momentum as the characters and their relationships are fleshed out, leading to a more dynamic exploration of the novel’s themes. Hobson’s vivid descriptions of settings, detailed character development, and the use of multiple perspectives enrich the reader’s connection to the story, allowing for an immersive experience.
The Girl in the Window is a well-crafted children’s chapter book that is sure to captivate the attention of middle-grade readers and young adults. The author delivers a story that is not only entertaining but also infused with meaning, while gradually building suspense as the characters work to uncover the secrets hidden within the old house.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B0CKPY7FG6
LITERARY TITAN 