WHAT NOW?

Debut author and illustrator Mostert offers a comforting and practical guide for children who have lost someone they loved.

The author employs a child-friendly tone to provide youngsters with an overview of what they can expect as they grieve. The book opens with general, relatable advice for those who may be feeling lost and alone in their pain. Mostert’s pages are filled with heartfelt guidance such as “It will still hurt after weeks and months and years, but it won’t hurt the same way. Some of the sting will be gone, and some of the hurt will be replaced with a warm feeling of memory.” The author also offers introductory coping strategies for children struggling to process their emotions, such as making a list of reasons why the person was loved and sharing it with friends and family. It also introduces kids to other concepts, such as psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ well-known five stages of grief. These resources and strategies will help kids understand that they’re not alone and that they’ll find support from others. Mostert’s accessible tone and often sad but relatable illustrations will help young readers as they begin their grief process. The most beneficial aspects of the work are the repetition of the phrase “That’s okay” and the idea that various reactions are “normal.” The ongoing affirmation that strong, shifting emotions are healthy parts of a recovery process will help readers to accept them. It’s worth noting that Mostert’s approach to the discussion of death is one that emphasizes finality and acceptance, and although the book does discuss the benefits of prayer, it makes no mention of heaven. Families or school counselors who wish to offer that possibility will need to supplement the book with other materials or additional discussion.

A beneficial book for grieving families and a must-have for youth counselors.