Sad Isn't Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss

by Michaelene Mundy, R.W. Alley (Illustrator)

Loaded with positive, life-affirming advice for coping with loss as a child, this guide tells children what they need to know after a loss--that the world is still safe; life is good; and hurting hearts do mend. Written by a school counselor, this book helps comfort children facing of the worst and hardest kind of reality. Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Death, Grief, Young Readers, Self Help

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in the series that I use in therapy, though less often than "Mad Isn't Bad." Others in the series that I have are "Getting Out of a Stress Mess!," "Help Is Here for Facing Fear," and "When Bad Things Happen." The recommended age, 9-12 is given because the books are fairly conceptual (younger children may not follow them) and the illustrations would seem to childish to older children (probably to a lot of 11- and 12-year olds even). But the ideas in them would be helpful for older kids and adults.

[Bailey Johannes]

In third grade, I needed this book when my papa died.

[Arin Brutlag · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book uses simple language to address many topics that children face when they experience the death of a loved one. Each topic is given its own page, with affirmations of its normalcy and suggestions for coping. The book has a Christian-centric feel to it, with God and traditionally Christian beliefs discussed on many pages. The illustrations depict elves rather than humans, but there is a multicultural flair to the drawings. 28 pages.

Resources: There is a message to parents, teachers, and other caring adults. This book is part of the Elf-help series.

[drowningmermaid · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very theistic book about grief. Would be good for a church library. But statements like "most people believe that we will be together with our loved ones and God after our lives here on earth" are really only for the church-going audience (now, statistically, less than 50% of the U.S. and still less in some other countries.)

Starts off accessible to anyone but moves over to prayer as a solution. Not a bad breakdown of grief otherwise, and says a lot of things that kids might be feeling-- including thoughts of suicide, anger, and physical symptoms.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very good book and gives options to families who may grieve differently than others. Grief is something we all deal with differently, but we all go through. I hope this book helps my son and nephews and I have confidence it will one day.

[Cassidy Flood · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book for children going through a loss and I think it teaches a valuable lesson.

[Jennifer-Lynn Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

35 pages made me cry still
Cute

[Nessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet little book.
It has helpful advice on processing grief in a healthy way for people of any age and the illustrations were cute and uplifting too.

[Ingerid Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It helped me trought a huge loss of someone close to me at a young age. It helped me understand my self and find my own way of grieving.

[Scott Seney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for kids and everyone else experiencing the loss of someone they love.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very basic book explaining grief to small children. Hopefully it won't be the only book you use. Cute illustrations.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Beautiful book, it teaches children that it's OK to be sad and they don't have to remain strong. Would recommend for any child going through the grief process

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for children explaining and communicating grief. It embraces the topic without and empowers their feelings supporting the process.

[bookworm22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with lots of information on grief regarding children's reactions of it, blaming of self, survivors guilt, the stages of grief, and the importance of rituals, symbols, and dialogue regarding death. Faith based ideas too.

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Kid friendly pictures. Some good info to share with a child BUT it didn't wow me. The book mentions God a lot which is not a bad thing but not good for a public school librarian to read aloud.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for children and adults who have children/grandchildren after the loss off a loved one.

[kelly]

Very good for children regarding the loss of a loved one.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, nonthreatening look at grieving for children.