Some Days Are Better Than Others: Grief Support for Children

by Marcia McGee Ashford, Kayla Haven (illustrator)

NEW RELEASE We all know some days are better than others but how do you explain that to a child? What if the bad day is a really bad day? Some Days Are Better Than Others is a grief support book written for young children and their families. Inside are words of encouragement and understanding with beautiful illustrations.Author Marcia Ashford is a believer in book and music support. Sitting together, reading a book, listening to music, and hugs might brighten those sad days a little. Just being together is so special.

Marcia-a mom, teacher, and cancer survivor-writes children’s books full of light and joy. She also writes books for all ages dealing with Alzheimer’s, cancer, and grief.

Illustrator Kayla Haven is a passionate artist who hopes to ignite the imagination and creativity of young minds. It is her belief that during times of hardship, art can be a powerful tool to heal and uplift. She hopes to captivate young readers and bring these stories to life.

There is an keepsake section for you and your little ones at the end of the book. It is a safe, imaginative place to write, draw, color, and create whatever might comfort you and yours...a special place for a celebration of life.
Blessings!
Marcia and Kayla

Genres: Childrens

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

Marcia is a southern gal. She is a Mom, educator, musician, writer, world traveler and cancer survivor. She writes children's books and says sometimes it is fun to live in an imaginary world. Her cancer support books are for gals in the trenches.

Marcia loves her family and her fur baby Lexi Grace, the beach, travel, and chocolate.
Lexi loves to tag along on speaking engagements and road trips. For information and to sign up for her social media go to her website: www.heartstringproductions.com-Books with Heart and Art

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle picture book helping with the loss of a loved one.

Author, Marcia Ashford, begins this tiny but mighty volume with a very responsible disclaimer that clearly advises the purpose is NOT to take the place of counseling or anything in the medical field, including diagnosis. They created the words and art as a means to offer support.

Over 44 pages, children are walked thru good days and bad days using rain & sunshine, smiles & tears, hugs & being alone, all while they are told it’s ok to feel all of the emotions. It’s ok to cry, be mad, be sad - a little or a lot.

Kayla Haven’s artwork supports the text very nicely. The colors are soft, many adults are included and there’s a mix of black and white folks but not other ethnicities. She’s also added in dogs and cats that are hugged or snuggled. It’s all very comfortable and comforting.

Closing the book is a page for adults that remind them to take care of themselves and offers ideas for creating memories of the loved one, ways to celebrate their life and so forth. Had there been additional ethnicities represented, this would have been a 5 star book📚

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia Ashford’s Some Days Are Better Than Others: Grief Support for Children offers a compassionate and insightful guide for young readers coping with loss. This heartfelt book gently illustrates that grief is not a linear process; some days will feel lighter, while others may be difficult. Through simple yet profound storytelling, children learn that experiencing both joy and sadness is a natural part of healing. It reassures them that it is okay to laugh, play, and seek comfort even while mourning a loved one.

This book is an essential resource for children navigating the complexities of loss. Every child will eventually face grief, and many may struggle to understand their mixed emotions. Ashford provides a safe space for young readers, allowing them to process their feelings in a healthy and constructive way. Addressing such a sensitive subject with care, this book empowers children by validating their emotions and guiding them through each stage of grief.

One of the standout features of Some Days Are Better Than Others is its inclusion of an Adult Page at the end. Here, Ashford reminds caregivers that they, too, are experiencing loss and need to allow themselves time to grieve. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, as adults play a crucial role in helping children manage overwhelming emotions they may be facing for the first time. By acknowledging their own grief, caregivers can provide the support and reassurance that children need.

The book offers thoughtful suggestions for commemorating a lost loved one. Families can work together to create meaningful tributes, such as making a scrapbook, planting a tree, or releasing bubbles into the sky. Acts of remembrance, like donating to a charity in the loved one’s name, offer children a tangible way to honor and celebrate the life of the person they have lost.

The illustrations by Kayla Haven beautifully complement the book’s message. Rendered in soft, soothing colors, the full-page artwork enhances the emotional depth of the story, forging a strong connection between the reader and the narrative. Haven’s talent as an illustrator shines through in each carefully crafted image, offering comfort and warmth to young minds while reinforcing the book’s themes of love and remembrance.

Some Days Are Better Than Others: Grief Support for Children is an invaluable addition to any family’s library. It provides a gentle yet powerful reminder that grief is a journey, and all emotions, whether joy, sadness, or moments of laughter, are part of the process. Highly recommended for parents, educators, and caregivers looking for a compassionate way to support children through loss.

[Marin . · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of emotional intelligence is becoming an important topic in the educational community.
More and more children's books highlight emotions in different settings and ways.
SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS is a heartwarming book about different emotions, emphasizing grief.
With a simple storyline and easy-to-comprehend words, the author shares thoughts on how to regulate emotions and celebrate feelings.
The illustrations are lovely. Children and adults from different ethnicities and genders, as well as pets,
depict a spectrum of social situations.
The publication can open a discussion about grief and sadness and can help young readers process difficult subjects such as loss.

[Rella B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book offers support to children navigating grief after losing a loved one or dealing with difficult days in general. It provides words of encouragement, reassuring young readers that it's okay to experience negative emotions and that these feelings will eventually pass. By focusing on the happy memories shared with those who have passed, it fosters a positive outlook amidst sorrow. The beautifully illustrated pages enhance the reading experience, although some sections lack punctuation. Additionally, the book includes helpful suggestions for coping with loss and features a dedicated space for parents and children to write or draw, allowing for emotional expression. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a resource to help discuss this tough topic with a child.

[Lily L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Days Are Better Than Others is a book that tackles different emotions. It's normal to have different emotions, it's okay to feel sad when bad things happen, it's okay to feel mad, and it's okay to be happy. Emotions go with different situations. This book will teach young readers to embrace their emotions and let them feel whatever they want to feel.

[Zara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

"As a parent, explaining grief to a child is one of the hardest things I've had to do. 'Some Days Are Better Than Others' made that conversation a little easier. The book's soothing words and beautiful pictures helped my child understand and express their emotions. The keepsake section at the end is a wonderful way to cherish memories and celebrate life.

[Beverley Reichman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Days Are Better Than Others is a beautifully illustrated story to help children understand their emotions during good days and bad days. It carefully addresses the topic of losing a loved one and gives children ways of healing their grief. The illustrations charmingly convey the message of the story. I was curious, however, why the text did not have ending punctuation.

[STENETTA ANTHONY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Days are Better Than Others: Grief Support for Children. Sometimes children wonder how they should feel during the grief process. This book does an excellent job of demonstrating the different emotions you may feel after experiencing the death of a person, pet, or something else. Excellent read!

[Bonnie Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book warmed my heart. I agree. It is okay to be happy sometimes. It is okay to be sad sometimes.
The author depicts examples of both. The language was simplistic and so were the illustrations.
I got this book as a gift.
Thank you.

[Joari Orsini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charmingly quick story with a heartwarming message about overcoming loss and cherishing memories. The vibrant illustrations bring the story to life beautifully. I recommend this book for family reading and classroom settings.

[Sara Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very touching and deals with kid's emotions in an honest and supportive way.
It didn't say too much, and didn't say too little.....just enough to relay the emtoions needed.
The message of this book is, you're not alone!

[Carolyn Watson-Dubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A important topic, written simply for children and focuses on getting them to acknowledge and embrace their feelings. The back has helpful advice for adults that are reading with children who are suffering from grief.

[Janet Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discussing loss and grief with young children can be difficult, yet this children's picture book addresses it perfectly. Moreover, the additional content provides suggestions for honoring life. This book can also aid children who wish to assist or understand others who are experiencing loss.

[Steven Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Book!

Simple but so real! I love the illustrations and the honesty in this book. There is also a sense of real love being conveyed by the author as if the author wants to give the reader a big hug! Loved this book!!

[Jetty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book for free.

This book tells us that it's ok to cry

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book to help children with loss. Pleasant illustrations and gentle language.