
Straightforward, gentle, useful, and engaging. - Kirkus Reviews
When Grandpa suggests that a caterpillar might die if Christopher puts it in a jar.
"Are you going to die, Grandpa?"
"Someday, sweetheart. But I hope not too soon."
Their simple exchange covers a lot of philosophical ground. Grandpa allows that "no one really knows" what happens after death, but he tells Christopher that some people think of heaven ("a place without sadness or war"), others of rebirth ("each time, you get wiser"), and others of "nothing" ("the same as before you were born"). The pair discusses the whys of death ("dying is part of life"), birth ("to learn all sorts of things"), and feelings of fear or comfort about dying.
An important picture book that gives children free rein to express their questions, fears, thoughts, and ideas about death. For children ages 5 and up. Including an epilogue by the grief therapist Rebecca Dabekaussen, with tips on how to discuss this difficult but inevitable subject with children.
Author: Pimm Van Hest
Publisher: Clavis
Published: 10/29/2019
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 11.60h x 8.40w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781605374949
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2019
About the Author
Pimm van Hest (1975) was born in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. After having worked as a teacher for one year he started his studies psychology when he met his present partner. Soon it became clear they wanted to adopt a child. In 2007 their daughter Moira came into their lives. Moira's arrival was the inspiration for his first book.
Lisa Brandenburg is an illustrator living and working in Amstelveen in the Netherlands. She has a wide range of artistic interests and loves challenge and change. Lisa is curious about, and inspired by, what happens in the world around us. Lisa is married and the proud mother of a son and a daughter.