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In Loving Memory: A Child’s Journey to Understanding a Funeral and Starting the Grieving Process
When someone close to her heart passes away, can a young kid learn how to mourn and heal?Harper is really sad. One morning after she hears unhappy news that her grandma has died, the ten-year-old finds comfort in her mother’s caring arms. And already missing her relative’s kindness, she is inspired when encouraged to share her favorite moments of spending days together.
When it’s time to start the funeral process, Harper wonders how she’ll join her family in laying her grandmother to rest. And with supportive parents letting her decide what she wants to do, the devoted girl gets a chance to say goodbye in her own way.
With comforting language and warm illustrations, In Loving Memory guides little ones who struggle to understand their emotions and roles after the death of someone they hold dear. And in a well-balanced team-up, award-winning children’s author Katherine Pendergast and funeral director Lacie Brueckner cover handling scenes from a visitation to an open casket service, and gravesite service.
In Loving A Child’s Journey to Understanding a Funeral and Starting the Grieving Process is a beautifully empathetic children's picture book for helping explain personal loss to young readers. If you or your child like relatable characters, gentle conversation starters, and honoring loved ones, then you’ll find solace in Lacie Brueckner and Katherine Pendergast’s thoughtful approach.
Buy In Loving Memory to say farewell with tender grace today!
When it’s time to start the funeral process, Harper wonders how she’ll join her family in laying her grandmother to rest. And with supportive parents letting her decide what she wants to do, the devoted girl gets a chance to say goodbye in her own way.
With comforting language and warm illustrations, In Loving Memory guides little ones who struggle to understand their emotions and roles after the death of someone they hold dear. And in a well-balanced team-up, award-winning children’s author Katherine Pendergast and funeral director Lacie Brueckner cover handling scenes from a visitation to an open casket service, and gravesite service.
In Loving A Child’s Journey to Understanding a Funeral and Starting the Grieving Process is a beautifully empathetic children's picture book for helping explain personal loss to young readers. If you or your child like relatable characters, gentle conversation starters, and honoring loved ones, then you’ll find solace in Lacie Brueckner and Katherine Pendergast’s thoughtful approach.
Buy In Loving Memory to say farewell with tender grace today!
- GenresPicture Books
Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2020
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8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 6, 2021
A children’s book about death and remembrance.
An aside for UK readers before I begin my review proper is that In Loving Memory is an American book so a couple of practices are different to those we have in the UK, such as cremation taking place in advance of the funeral, whereas in the UK the two events are usually held on the same day. Some language is different such as ‘vacation’ for holiday. That said, I think any differences can be turned to a benefit and used to explore language use in wider contexts such as KS1 and early KS2 classrooms or other children’s groups.
In Loving Memory is just the kind of book needed to help children come to terms with the death of a loved one, because it reassures them that the feelings they have are perfectly natural and to be expected. It’s short and accessible enough for a child to read independently, but I think would work best when shared with an adult so that discussions can be had about their own deceased loved ones. The concept of cremation is made clear and is dealt with in a matter of fact manner that demystifies it for children and removes the fear and trepidation.
In Loving Memory takes a child through the grieving process, but keeps a focus on positive aspects such as recreating activities that have been enjoyed together as when Harper bakes the cookies she used to love making with her Grandma. I think this would be a fabulous thing to do. I loved the scrapbook Harper’s Mum makes of all the things Grandma loved the best so that there is a permanent reminder of the joy in her life. I think this would be a healing and helpful idea for adults and children alike to ensure their memories of those they loved remain clear and present. I thought the space for young readers to share their own favourite memories of a loved one at the end of the book, either through writing or drawing, was an excellent touch too.
The illustrations in In Loving Memory are beautifully presented, conveying emotions and complementing the writing perfectly so that whilst the subject is sad, the book is actually very uplifting. I have one small comment to make in that I’d have liked Grandma to have friends and family of a wider ethnic range to make the book even more inclusive, but this is very much a personal preference.
I think In Loving Memory could be just the resource families, teachers, children’s workers and others are looking for in tackling the tricky subject of death with children aged 4 to 8. I recommend it.
An aside for UK readers before I begin my review proper is that In Loving Memory is an American book so a couple of practices are different to those we have in the UK, such as cremation taking place in advance of the funeral, whereas in the UK the two events are usually held on the same day. Some language is different such as ‘vacation’ for holiday. That said, I think any differences can be turned to a benefit and used to explore language use in wider contexts such as KS1 and early KS2 classrooms or other children’s groups.
In Loving Memory is just the kind of book needed to help children come to terms with the death of a loved one, because it reassures them that the feelings they have are perfectly natural and to be expected. It’s short and accessible enough for a child to read independently, but I think would work best when shared with an adult so that discussions can be had about their own deceased loved ones. The concept of cremation is made clear and is dealt with in a matter of fact manner that demystifies it for children and removes the fear and trepidation.
In Loving Memory takes a child through the grieving process, but keeps a focus on positive aspects such as recreating activities that have been enjoyed together as when Harper bakes the cookies she used to love making with her Grandma. I think this would be a fabulous thing to do. I loved the scrapbook Harper’s Mum makes of all the things Grandma loved the best so that there is a permanent reminder of the joy in her life. I think this would be a healing and helpful idea for adults and children alike to ensure their memories of those they loved remain clear and present. I thought the space for young readers to share their own favourite memories of a loved one at the end of the book, either through writing or drawing, was an excellent touch too.
The illustrations in In Loving Memory are beautifully presented, conveying emotions and complementing the writing perfectly so that whilst the subject is sad, the book is actually very uplifting. I have one small comment to make in that I’d have liked Grandma to have friends and family of a wider ethnic range to make the book even more inclusive, but this is very much a personal preference.
I think In Loving Memory could be just the resource families, teachers, children’s workers and others are looking for in tackling the tricky subject of death with children aged 4 to 8. I recommend it.
December 8, 2021
This book takes a more concrete approach to a loved one's death, when compared with other books on the topic, which I've read. Step-by-step, this one takes a young listener through the entire funeral process, showing them exactly what happens...at least, what is considered customary in the U.S. The authors have seeped in details, which adults often don't think about, but children are affected by, and this, I appreciated. There are also ideas on how to honor the memory of a loved one as well as encouragement to help guide a bit into the grieving process.
The illustrations are done with care, making the situations clear, while keeping the characters subtle and gentle. The text is a bit on the heavier side, at times, making this a read-aloud for those up the age of four. But then, this isn't a book I'd give over to a child to read by themselves, simply due to the subject matter. The text does present a family going through the process, including a little dialogue and such. All of it is done with great care.
While I took a look at the book concerning the viewing type of funeral, the authors have also brought one out, which centers more on the cremation process. Obviously, this book isn't for everyone, and caretakers/guardians/parents need to glance through it themselves before they present it to their young listener. The book does lead to discussions, but then, that's also a bit of the point. I do respect the openness presented in these pages, especially since adults often get so caught up in their own grieving and the preparations, that they forget younger readers do not necessarily know what they will exactly be doing. This does soften that blow.
For those, who are facing the death of a closed loved one and would enjoy a little guidance, this is a lovely read and done with much care and concern. I received a complimentary copy and respect the care that went into writing this one.
The illustrations are done with care, making the situations clear, while keeping the characters subtle and gentle. The text is a bit on the heavier side, at times, making this a read-aloud for those up the age of four. But then, this isn't a book I'd give over to a child to read by themselves, simply due to the subject matter. The text does present a family going through the process, including a little dialogue and such. All of it is done with great care.
While I took a look at the book concerning the viewing type of funeral, the authors have also brought one out, which centers more on the cremation process. Obviously, this book isn't for everyone, and caretakers/guardians/parents need to glance through it themselves before they present it to their young listener. The book does lead to discussions, but then, that's also a bit of the point. I do respect the openness presented in these pages, especially since adults often get so caught up in their own grieving and the preparations, that they forget younger readers do not necessarily know what they will exactly be doing. This does soften that blow.
For those, who are facing the death of a closed loved one and would enjoy a little guidance, this is a lovely read and done with much care and concern. I received a complimentary copy and respect the care that went into writing this one.
June 18, 2020
very watered down
If your family has viewings and funerals, this may be okay, but it does not go any deeper than a very brief overview of the actions. It does not get into any sadness from the child aside from a statement at breakfast. It doesn't address the sadness they may be around from family members. It also lacks an overview of the grieving process, like stages and time frames. All in all, I'm glad it was only $2. This was not helpful for our family.
If your family has viewings and funerals, this may be okay, but it does not go any deeper than a very brief overview of the actions. It does not get into any sadness from the child aside from a statement at breakfast. It doesn't address the sadness they may be around from family members. It also lacks an overview of the grieving process, like stages and time frames. All in all, I'm glad it was only $2. This was not helpful for our family.
June 4, 2020
Good read
Tue authors perspective about helping kids to grief is out of this world. And I really welcome it as I believe it is very relevant in today's world.
Tue authors perspective about helping kids to grief is out of this world. And I really welcome it as I believe it is very relevant in today's world.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews