Missing Violet

by Kelly Swemba, Fabiana Faiallo (Illustrations)

Life is full of sunshine for inseparable friends Violet and Mia. Until one day, Violet leaves school sick and doesn't get better. Without her best friend, Mia slips into a gloomy existence. As she moves through the stages of grief like the colors of a rainbow, Mia wonders if she will ever feel like herself again. When Mia reaches out to her classmates, she remembers what she loved most about Violet.

A sensitive and poignant story about the loss of a friend and experiencing the different stages of grief.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Grief, Friendship, Death, Fiction

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

Reviews

[Emily Holi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death is a particularly tricky subject for little hearts and minds to process, but MISSING VIOLET provides a beautiful narrative framework for that very important discussion. The marriage of Kelly’s words and Fabiana’s artwork is pure poetry and moved me to tears. I highly recommend adding this poignant and powerful tale to your library!

[Kate Allen Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical and beautifully illustrated picture book for young children dealing with death and grief. Few picture books deal with tough topics as adeptly as this one. Swemba uses direct but gentle language is discussing the death of a friend and shows how children can work through difficult emotions while honoring loved ones who have died. Backmatter provides additional context on discussing death with children and helping kids express emotions in difficult times. An important text that will make a fantastic addition to libraries and classrooms.

[Marietta Apollonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely picture book about friendship, love, loss, and the emotions that come with the death of someone who is important to us, and how we can keep them in our memory even after death. Kelly's writing, understanding and sensitivity for the subject matter shines through. Fabiana's illustrations beautifully depict the emotions of the mc. Her color palette and characters flow nicely through to the end.

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Pre-Pub copy read via Edelweiss*
Disclaimer: This is a picture book about grief. The occurrence is very brief without much explanation of what happened/why (that's not important here, if you're reading this to a child for a reason, you already have you own *why*.)
This book is visually stunning, the colors on each page reflect the main character's feelings over her loss.
Worthwhile note for parents and caregivers along with further reading at the end of the story.

[Valerie Bolling · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! Though it’s sad, Kelly tells a story that will resonate with children. Even if they haven’t experienced the death of a best friend, they may know what it’s like to have a relative or pet pass away – or have a friend move far away. This story is told so compassionately and shares an important lesson: It’s OK to sit with our grief but even better when we can come up with a positive action to help us cope with the loss.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A sweet picture book for helping children cope with the death of a friend or classmate.

Violet is Mia's best friend. She brings sunshine to every day. But after Violet dies, everything changes. With the help of others, Mia is able to learn ways to remember, grieve, and say goodbye to her best friend.

Sweet illustrations. I love the way the background colors correspond with Mia's emotions.

Nicely written. The narration doesn't shy away from the difficult emotions Mia experiences including anger, confusion, and sadness.

Mia learns to remember Violet in various ways, such as talking about her, making a memory chain, showing kindness to others, and creating a memory box. Nice representation of support systems and the inclusion of parents, teachers, classmates, and counselors. I also really love the low-waste idea of blowing bubbles to say goodbye to someone who has died.

Includes a note at the back with more information on talking to children about death and grief, and different ways to remember their loved ones.

A wonderful resource for talking to children about death and loss.

[Shachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-touching story about inseparable friends Violet and Mia. When Violet passes away, Mia is devastated and nothing is the same for her. Mia is lonely, and sad and even get angry when she sees other with their best friend. She learns that she can keep violet's memories by putting pictures together in a box, helping her classmates just like Violet. Along with her classmates, they all write notes for Violet. You can feel the pain of Mia, as you read the words and illustrations add to the emotions match the text and

Dealing with grief is hard, and this book touches on the topic by gently introducing children to the concept of death.
The author's back bote and the resources shared are helpful and will give ideas about how to discuss this topic with your little ones.

[Laurie Carmody · Rating 5 out of 5]

MISSING VIOLET is a book that deals with the death of a best friend in an emotionally validating way. It is a tough topic, but the author doesn't shy away from the complexity of emotions - anger, sadness, fear. They are all valid and important in the grieving process. The illustrations make these varied emotions clear on the page, with red for anger, blue for sadness, etc. This makes the topic not only more accessible for children, but also a safe place to discuss and process these feelings. The story also encourages kids to talk about their feelings with others (the main character speaks with a therapist, for example) and to take healthy, balanced action to support healing. It is a beautiful book that will help so many people.

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

MISSING VIOLET is a carefully crafted story with just-right wording for a tough topic, presented with a sense of unspoken hope. The emotions throughout are expressed in kid-minded ways, and Kelly Swemba deftly incorporates heart-imbued character-building and actions into this powerful story about grief. The illustrations by Fabiana Faiallo add even more heart and depth to this lovely book, with delightful depictions of kids playing and building friendships, shifting color schemes to evoke intense emotions, and comforting elements for even the toughest moments. This book is much-needed for how it handles dealing with death and grief—especially for kids—and showcases the healing strengths of talking, art, playing, and memories. It also uses the rainbow as a way to understand the stages of grief and wide range of emotions, and provides other gentle and guided ways to help kids who have lost loved ones.

[Tonnye Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly's beautiful words and matching art work make talking about grief accessible to children. With beautiful, compassionate, but straightforward language, Kelly gives actionable steps for children to process their grief through her main character, Mia, who loses her best friend, Violet. When Violet dies, Mia feels a rainbow of feelings, but with lots of help along the way, Mia finds colorful ways to remember her friend -- and room in her heart for new friends too! These beautiful words and beautiful pictures are certain to help young people dealing with loss and also to create empathy for other students who haven't maybe experienced a big loss yet. There is also a bit of back matter to assist their grown-ups with finding good ways to help their younglings process loss and the feelings that come with it.

[Christina Dendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful story for children who have lost friends and other loved ones. The lyrical narrative is gentle but truthful, touching on the shock, disbelief, anger, and sadness that comes with abrupt loss and grief, and nudging them toward remembrance and celebration of life without discounting the ongoing feelings of loss. I love that the author, in the backmatter, acknowledges that all young people may understand death differently while also urging us to confront death with our young ones. The illustrations are beautiful, and the color palettes on the pages complement the different emotions that are happening. This is a lovely book. Highly recommend not only for those dealing with loss but for counselor, teachers, and librarians to have on hand.

[Khurin W. F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Violet mengisahkan Maya yang tiba-tiba kehilangan sahabat baiknya, Violet. Dia meninggal karena sakit. Maya merasa marah saat melihat teman-temannya di sekolah yang masih bisa bermain dan tertawa riang. Dia juga bertanya-tanya apakah hanya dirinya sendiri yang merasa sedih atas meninggalnya Violet? Dia merasa tidak adil bahwa hanya dia yang kehilangan sahabat.

Yang aku suka dari buku ini adalah penulis membuat Maya menyadari bahwa ada yang salah dengan dirinya. Dia merasa marah saat melihat teman-temannya dan ia sendiri pun merasa seperti bukan dirinya. Hal itu membuat Maya mendatangi konselor di sekolahnya hingga membuatnya menemukan cara untuk mengenang Violet bersama teman-temannya yang lain.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia and Violet are best friends. When Violet leaves school sick one day, Mia looks forward to when she will return. But Violet continues to get sicker, and passes away.
Mia is left feeling lonely, and watching the kids in her class continue as though nothing happened, and she begins to get angry, withdrawing into herself.
When she discovers that everyone misses Violet, and she can continue to keep her friend's memory alive by doing some of the nice things that Violet used to do, while involving her classmates, her outlook gets brighter, and she becomes happy again.

Dealing with grief with kids is hard, but this book was a great introduction into how to deal with it.

[Gayle Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s usually hard to write a picture book on difficult, but necessary topics, and Swemba has done a masterful job. Crafted with gentle language that promotes the understanding of such a difficult topic, her lyrical presentation helps children deal with strong emotions. For a young girl dealing with the death, she finds herself questioning why. Missing Violet guides children in working through difficult emotions, but the loss of a best friend at such a young age is heart-wrenching, yet for all its sadness, it has a hopeful ending, so Violet’s memory lives on. Faiallo’s colorful illustrations are perfectly matched to Swemba’s words.

[Molly Ippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This BEAUTIFUL picture book is unlike any other that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. There is no other story I’ve come across that so graciously presents loss in this poetic, yet child appropriate way. This book is truly moving and easily brought me to tears the first time I read it. Sometimes in life there are tough topics, with no easy explanation. Kelly Swemba does a seemingly flawless job of tackling grief and framing it in such a way that young readers everywhere will understand and appreciate. The world NEEDS this book!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is about a young girl's experience coping with her best friend's illness and death. The illustrations are beautiful, expressive, and colorful, and the story feels authentic to a child's understanding and emotions. There is an author's note in the back with additional tips for parents about discussing death with their children, but the story itself is directed towards kids and isn't just a teaching tool. I appreciate the craftsmanship evident in the text and illustrations, and I'm glad that this book exists for the people who need it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of death is a hard one to help little people understand, but this book is a great resource to focus on the positive aspects of remembering what you loved about them and that missing them is okay - you're not alone in your grief. The illustrations are marvelous, fitting the mood perfectly. This is a wonderful book to use to help children dealing with grief. Highly recommended.

NOT for use in a typical story time (the topic is too heavy), but appropriate for kids of preschool & elementary school ages.

[Jessica Milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so perfectly gentle, heartfelt, and beautiful, and a must-read for anyone who experiences or has experienced the loss of a loved one and grief. The illustrations are gorgeous, as the illustrator uses color to show Mia's grieving process and echo her emotional journey. I loved how the author wrote about such a tough and heavy topic with incredible care and love. A stunningly poignant and important read for all ages.

[Suzy Leopold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Kelly Swemba, a psychiatric nurse, shares a beautifully written book about the sensitive topic of death. Violet's death is difficult for Mia. Over time, Mia remembers what she loved most about her dear friend, Violet. The author compares the stages of grief to the colors of a rainbow. The illustrations created by Fabiana Faiallo complement the text and offer a better understanding of hope. The back matter includes helpful notes for parents, teachers, and caregivers.

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

MISSING VIOLET has the potential to touch so many lives. This lyrical book tells the story of a young girl who is navigating the death of a dear friend. The author’s approach is delicate, empathetic and uplifting, while the art on each page beautifully matches the feelings the main character is experiencing. This book is a must have for home and school libraries.

[Malcolm Newsome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the way this beautifully and sensitively written picture book pricked my heart! ❤️ Grief and loss are incredibly difficult subjects to discuss period--let alone with children. This book does a wonderful job of taking the reader through the stages of grief...and does so with tender and beautiful illustrations. An important one to own, for sure.

[Erin Rew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been eagerly awaiting this sweet and touching story by Kelly Swemba and illustrated by @fabifaiallo. ‘Missing Violet’ is a tender look at loss from a child's perspective, and I cannot recommend it enough for anyone struggling to help their children find a positive path through the other side of grief.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet was Mia's best friend... until she was gone. This unexpected loss sends Mia on an emotionally turbulent journey to accepting her new reality. She finally connects with her classmates, who also miss Violet, and they share their grief, remembering Violet together. A touching story that reminds us what it means to be human.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. It's powerful, important, and needed. Kelly Swemba's lovely words and Fabiana Faiallo's beautiful art pair perfectly to tell the story of a little girl experiencing grief and loss. I appreciate the direct language about Violet's death, the vivid ways the girl explains her feelings, and the ultimate message of hope and healing.

[Ryann Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly does an amazing job at tackling the difficult topic of death. I love the analogy of going through the stages of grief like the colors of the rainbow. I was so touched by how Mia honors Violet's memory. I definitely teared up while reading this but it is such a needed book. And the illustrations are gorgeous!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender story of a young girl whose best friend, Violet, passes away. Readers meet Violet in the first few page and learn more about her through memories. Swemba offers a way to open dialogue for children in a similar situation. Death is a difficult concept for them to understand. The author shows the gamut of emotions that follow a loved one's death. A definite read for grieving families.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could have read this story as a child when I first experienced loss. It is a touching story that shows the process of grieving and healthy ways to deal with loss suited for a child (or adult). The language and illustrations are beautiful. The author provides a lovely note to parents/adults, suggesting ways to help children through grief.

[Donna Rossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, Tender and Important:
A hard topic masterfully handled. Mia loses her best friend to a childhood illness and goes through the stages of grief—gently shown with Mia’s feelings validated, along with beautiful ways to remember someone close. Additional resources for helping a child through grief are included in the back matter.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, sensitive book that explores a child’s grief when her best friend falls sick and then passes. The stages of grief are well presented, and the illustrations create an atmosphere of intense feelings as the child learns to deal with her grief and eventually find joy in the memory of her friend. This book is recommended for any child who has experienced heartfelt loss.

[Korena Howley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Missing Violet, author Kelly Swemba handles a difficult topic with sensitivity and an understanding of how the loss of a close friend might affect a child encountering death for the first time. Beautifully written and illustrated, it speaks to the enduring power of friendship and memory—and the importance of saying goodbye.