Reviews
"Children need not be the neglected mourners that they so often are," write Laurie Van-Si and Lynn Powers, the authors of the illustrated Helping Children Heal from Loss: A Keepsake Book of Special Memories.
"This workbook is geared toward 4 through 12 year-olds and to be completed with the loving support and guidance of an adult friend. It is a safe place for children to express their grief.
"When this book arrived in the mail, I felt the best test of its strength would be to give it to my nearly 11 year-old, Rachel, who was six at the time of her brother Daniel's death. I explained to Rachel how to use the book, that she could look it over and give me her opinion. A few days later I knew it was time to take a closer look at the book and write the review. I asked Rachel where she'd placed it and when she handed it to me, her words were, 'Don't read what I wrote.' I told her I would try not to. Honestly I was surprised she had silently filled in many of the spiral-bound pages with her feelings, her longing for Daniel, and her memories of their play together. (Okay, I guess it is impossible for a mother to not read what her daughter has written when it is right before her eyes—I think Rachel will understand.) Rachel says the book is "cool", which is pretty impressive for a child her age to admit about a feelings/emotions-oriented workbook.
"When she fills in all the other sections: Body Awareness, My Feelings, Special Times, My Memories and adds a few photos of Daniel, she will have a wonderful keepsake to help her on her young journey of grief."
-Alice J. Wisler
Tributes - To visit Alice Wisler's website "Tributes", a website dedicated to bereaved parents, click the link to the left.
Quantity discounts are available from the publisher, Portland State University, Continuing Education Press: Click here for more information.
Email us at press@pdx.edu with any questions you may have.
Click here for ordering information.
What grief work authorities say about this book:
"Keeping the memory of a loved one alive after death is an important
part of the healing process, especially with children. This book provides a
framework for capturing memories and will become a treasure itself as it is
used and reflected back throughout the child's life."
Donna L. Schuurman, EdD
Executive Director
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children
"A must for every mental health professional who works with
children. Any child who loses a loved one will treasure the captured
memories that this healing activity provides."
Carol Kelly, Ph.D.
President, National Association of School Psychologists
"Helping Children Heal from Loss provides a loving and
safe way of encouraging children to mourn -- to express their thoughts
and feelings outside of themselves."
Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
Clinical Thanatologist
Director, Center for Loss and Life Transition
"A much needed book to help children get in touch with their feelings
about life and death."
Gerald G. Jampolsky, MD
Author of Love is Letting Go of Fear
and co-author of a Course in Miracles
