Spoons: A Family Story of Enduring Loss

by J. Corn

A Family Story of Enduring Loss – A Comforting Children's Book about Grief, Hope, and Family Bonds

Grief touches every family, and helping children navigate loss can be challenging. Spoons, by children's author J. Corn, is a beautifully illustrated book crafted especially to support kids ages 5–13 through the emotional journey of losing someone special.

Follow along with Mom and her two children as they face the heartfelt reality of Grandma Spoon’s passing. Together, they spend a memorable day sharing stories, cherishing memories, and discovering comforting ways to honor her life and keep her spirit alive.

Perfect for parents, educators, and caregivers, this gentle tale opens doors to meaningful conversations about grief, healing, and the lasting power of love. Spoons not only helps children process loss but also reminds families that even amid sadness, joy and cherished memories can flourish.

Inside this heartfelt book, readers will Comforting lessons about love, loss, and remembranceBeautifully illustrated pages that engage and soothe young readersThoughtful ways families can honor their loved ones togetherGentle guidance that helps children openly express their emotions and healA positive, hopeful message reinforcing that love transcends lossIdeal for families, classrooms, counselors, and grief support groups, Spoons is more than a children's story—it's an essential guide for anyone looking to comfort a child’s heart after loss.

Bring hope, healing, and meaningful conversations into your home with Spoons today.

Perfect
Children ages 5–13, Parents, Teachers, Counselors, Families coping with grief, Grief support groups

51 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2025

About the author

J. Corn lost her mother when she was five years old. Later, as a young mother of two, she lost her husband and then her father. Helping her children through those losses, and healing alongside them, taught her lessons she now shares with other families.

Her debut picture book, Spoons: A Family Story of Enduring Loss, grew from those lessons. Grandma Spoon is inspired by her own mother, Nancy, and the story celebrates keeping a loved one's memory alive in everyday moments.

J. Corn lives in Upstate New York. She and her children are active members of their local community grief counseling center, where she serves as a speaker and advocate for families on their grief journey.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoons is a sweet book helping introduce loss to kids and sharing ways to cope.
The illustrations were lovely and colors so vivid. You can't help but just love the Spoon family.
The book is a short read for kids, with sentences alternating in color, as colors play a big role in the story and illustrations.
One comment I had was it seemed there illustrations and text could have been better aligned. For example we might have two pages of just text and two pages of just illustrations. Perhaps more alternating so the photos line up with text would have been better.
I did like though how it appeared the illustrations went together with current and past events lining up. One of Mommy Spoon's memories with Grandma Spoon, and a parallel illustration with the kids getting to participate in the same activities.

[Renee Hagar-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Never Fades--A Book of Comfort and Hope! This book gently reminds us that remembering isn't just about the past; it's a way to keep our loved ones close, to feel their presence with us, and to honor the lasting impact they've had on our lives. It's a truly valuable lesson, and J. Corn shares it with such clarity, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of age.

Grief can feel overwhelming, but this book shows us that it's also a powerful connection to love—a love that transcends loss. It reminds us that love never truly fades, and that it's perfectly natural to experience joy and grief side by side. J. Corn beautifully guides children through these complex emotions, offering them a comforting and impactful understanding of loss and love.

[Brian F · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked most about this book was the message of peace. A calm feeling we all want to have after losing a loved one. We all live with lose differently; this books shares with us simple ways of how keep the memories of those we wish we never lost alive. It's a must read for kids and adults the same. I am an adult, and it reminded me of my late dad and how he loved to build huge snowman and fly kites as an adult, and especially do it for his kids and grandkids. I can picture the light in his smile now while doing it. Thank you J. Corn for reminding me of his love, I am going to share his story with others.

[Brandi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something tender about the children wanting to know whether Grandma went sledding or made snow angels. Those little questions give this story its heart. Grandma becomes someone they can know through memories, even though she’s gone. Their mother admitting she still feels sad is touching too. She doesn’t have every feeling neatly figured out just because she’s the grown-up. By the end, the children have comforted her as much as she has comforted them. Spoons offers a gentle, faith-filled reminder that missing someone and finding joy in their memory can happen together. A small story with plenty of heart.

[Haley Lancaster · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Spoons: A Family Story of Enduring Loss is a gentle and thoughtful book that approaches grief in a way children can understand. What stood out to me most was how the children’s questions about Grandma Spoon bring her memories to life through everyday activities, from making recipes to enjoying music and snow. The story reminds readers that healing does not mean forgetting someone we love. Instead, memories can help keep that person close. I especially appreciate its message that sadness and happiness can exist together while love continues beyond loss.

[Owen Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most meaningful things about Spoons is how it shows that remembering someone can become a source of comfort rather than only sadness. Grandma Spoon is brought to life through stories about her creativity, love of skating, piano playing, and little family traditions. These details make the loss feel personal and the memories feel real. I like that the book does not rush the grieving process or suggest that sadness simply disappears. It gently reminds families that love continues through the memories and experiences they share.

[Caroline Adems · Rating 4 out of 5]

What stands out about this story is the way children’s natural curiosity opens the door to discussing death. The Spoonies ask questions that many children might have after losing a grandparent, and their mother responds with patience and reassurance. I particularly like how Grandma’s everyday interests become meaningful ways to remember her. The book offers an important lesson: children need space to talk about their feelings, ask difficult questions, and discover that remembering someone can bring happiness even when their absence still hurts

[Gary Allen · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I like how Spoons recognizes that children may understand loss differently from adults and need honest, comforting conversations. The dialogue feels accessible, while the memories of Grandma Spoon give readers specific ways to think about someone they have lost. Her love of art, music, and family activities makes her more than a memory; she becomes part of the lessons the children carry forward. The book’s strongest message is that grief and gratitude can exist together. Missing someone deeply does not prevent us from finding joy in the life we continue to live

[Jerald Slaughter · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This story highlights something important about grief: children benefit from reassurance, but they also need opportunities to express their own feelings. The Spoonies’ questions make the conversation feel natural, and Grandma’s memories provide warmth throughout. I especially like the idea of honoring a loved one through activities they enjoyed. Spoons encourages families to remember that although someone may no longer be physically present, the love, lessons, and memories they leave behind can remain meaningful.

[stephen john · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

What I find meaningful about Spoons is how it shows that remembering a loved one can happen in the middle of an ordinary day. The sunrise, favorite recipes, music, and winter activities all become little reminders of Grandma Spoon. These details help make the message personal rather than abstract. I also appreciate that Mommy admits she is still sad, showing children that adults experience grief too. The story gently teaches that healing does not require forgetting someone, but learning to carry their love and memories forward

[Joseph Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing that makes this book stand out is its focus on the questions children actually ask about death. Instead of avoiding the subject, Mommy creates space for an honest conversation about missing Grandma and remembering her life. I especially like how the children discover connections through activities their grandmother enjoyed. It shows that family memories can become a source of comfort. For parents and caregivers, this story offers a gentle way to begin discussing loss while reassuring children that their feelings matter.

[Mireya Caldwell · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The conversations in Spoons make this story feel like an opportunity for families to sit together and discuss something that can be difficult to explain. I was drawn to how Grandma Spoon is remembered through her talents, favorite activities, and loving personality rather than only through her passing. That distinction gives the story warmth and hope. Another meaningful lesson is that children can help adults process grief, too. Sometimes sharing memories and answering simple questions can remind an entire family that love remains important even after a painful goodbye

[Iceman Bassey · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

One detail I appreciate is that Mommy does not hide her sadness from the children. She explains that she still misses Grandma, yet she also shows how remembering her can bring comfort. That honesty makes the story especially valuable because children may assume that adults should not feel sad for a long time. Through their questions, the Spoonies learn that love can continue through stories, traditions, and shared experiences. I think the book offers families a gentle reminder that grieving together can create opportunities for connection, understanding, and healing.

[Patrick Allen · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This book offers a gentle perspective on a subject many families struggle to discuss. I like how the children’s curiosity leads to stories that celebrate Grandma Spoon’s unique personality and interests. The message about carrying loved ones in our memories is simple but meaningful. Another important takeaway is that grief deserves patience, especially for children who may need repeated conversations to understand their feelings. Spoons encourages families to make room for both remembrance and joy.

[MARVELLOUS Akpan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes Spoons meaningful is the way it connects grief with the small details that make a person unforgettable. Grandma Spoon is remembered through her creativity, musical talents, love of skating, and family recipes. These details give children something tangible to hold on to when trying to understand loss. I also appreciate how Mommy allows herself to feel sad while finding comfort in her children’s questions. The story reminds readers that healing is not about erasing sadness, but discovering ways to keep love and happy memories alive.

[Perfections · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I like how this story encourages families to remember loved ones through the things they enjoyed doing. Grandma Spoon’s personality comes through in the stories about her artistic talents, piano playing, and playful adventures. These memories help the children build a picture of someone they miss. Another valuable lesson is that adults do not have to pretend they are never sad. By being honest and reassuring, Mommy shows how families can support one another and find comfort while navigating grief together.

[Livingston Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate that Spoons gives children permission to ask questions about death instead of leaving them to make sense of it alone. The conversations feel gentle, and Grandma’s memories offer a reassuring way to celebrate her life. One particularly meaningful idea is that familiar activities can remind us of people we love, even when we cannot see them anymore. I also like that Mommy finds comfort through the conversation herself. The story shows how grief can become a shared family experience, with everyone helping one another remember, understand, and heal

[Francis Debbie · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

The sunrise at the beginning of Spoons provides a lovely way to introduce the connection between remembrance and hope. Throughout the story, Grandma Spoon becomes present in the family’s conversations about music, art, food, and childhood adventures. I like how these specific memories help the children appreciate who she was. The story also acknowledges that missing someone can last a long time. Its gentle lesson is that we can continue building happy experiences while carrying the love and memories of those who are gone

[Addison Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I find especially meaningful about Spoons is how Grandma Spoon’s story continues through the little things her family remembers about her. Her love of painting, music, skating, and cooking gives the children a fuller understanding of the grandmother they miss. I also appreciate that the book shows grief affecting both children and adults. Mommy’s sadness does not disappear instantly, but talking with her children helps her find comfort. This gentle story reminds families that remembering someone’s personality and passions can keep their influence alive for generations.

[Queenesther Collins · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I like how Spoons gives importance to the memories that might otherwise seem like small details. Grandma’s red hair, piano playing, artistic creativity, and enthusiasm for snow help create a vivid picture of her life. These details make the story feel personal and show children that remembering someone involves more than thinking about their death. Another lesson I appreciate is that parents can be honest about their sadness without making children feel responsible for fixing it. The book gently highlights how sharing memories can create comfort and connection within a family.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow a family of spoons in this charming, little tale as we learn about vibrant colors and heaven. In this book, the kid spoons ask all about where their grandma went when she died. The mother spoon explains about death, how she still misses Grandma, and what she was like when she was alive.

I thought this was a nice story of the remembrance of a loved one. The illustrations were cute with a watercolor-stain quality.

A touching and colorful tale!

[Michael Will · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I appreciate how Spoons turns a difficult subject into a comforting conversation about love, memory, and loss. Grandma Spoon feels present through the little details her family remembers, including her art, music, and favorite activities. One message that stands out is that grief does not mean we stop finding joy in life. The story encourages children to ask questions and share their feelings, making it a useful starting point for families navigating the loss of someone special.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, easy to read book about honoring someone through grief. Well done. ❤️ 📖

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful way to teach about grieving and memories. I had a couple teary moments as the little ones asked their questions, and mom answered, reliving those moments. Such a sweet story for the entire family. At the end of the story, there were some questions for consideration. Worth the read.

I received a copy through RABT Book Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorful, simple, and comforting story about missing and remembering our loved ones who have passed on.

Spoons by J. Corn is a helpful children’s picture book about how we can gain comfort from loss by remembering our loved ones who have passed on before us. Grief, loss, and loneliness are natural feelings after the death of someone we love, but when missing them, remembering the good times with them and their special traits or talents or things that made them happy can lessen the pain of loss and make those reflections a positive and healing experience.

The author conveys these ideas through the whimsical story of the Spoon family whose Grandmother Spoon has died and becomes Grandmother “Angel” Spoon. Mom and the young Spoons miss her physical presence in their lives as they go about their day. But when they remember how she, too, enjoyed the same activities they were doing that day, they began to feel she was with them in spirit. The author color codes the lines of dialogue to the colors of the Spoon family members so readers can easily identify which of the Spoons are talking. This lovely picture book, with its simple message, would be a gentle way to open discussions with young children about the loss of someone in their lives.

I recommend SPOONS to families with young children who have recently experienced the loss of someone in their lives.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.