Remembering Ethan

by Lesléa Newman, Tracy Bishop (Illustrator)

Overview

One of Bank Street’s 2021 Best Children’s Books of the Year

Ethan. Ethan. Ethan. Sarah misses her adored big brother with all her heart. She wants to celebrate all the fun times she and her parents spent with him. But ever since Ethan died, Mommy and Daddy won’t mention him. Sarah can’t even say his name without upsetting them. Why don’t they want to remember Ethan?

Ethan is gone, but he won’t be forgotten as his sister rallies her family to never forget. Includes a note with recommendations of what to say and how to help children after the death of a loved one.

Lesléa Newman offers a tender tribute to a lost family member in this touching story that can help families start to heal.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433831133
Publisher:	Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Publication date:	04/07/2020
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	8 - 9 Years

About the Author

Leslea Newman has created 80 books for readers of all ages. Her awards include two National Jewish Book Awards, the Massachusetts Book Award, and the Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award. She lives in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Tracy Nishimura Bishop is a full-time illustrator with a passion for children's books. She has a degree in graphic design with a focus on animation and illustration. She lives in California.

Editorial Reviews

A heartfelt and tender book about a family dealing with the loss of a child…. This book is a great resource for families to help their child deal with grief.” 

Talking About Books for Kids

A heart-breaking and heart-wrenching, a fact of life of resource for children that have lost a sibling.

Sunday Gatherings

“Remembering Ethan is a timely story concerning the loss of a loved one and the grief a young child and her parents inevitably experience. It is a valuable contribution to the seemingly limited body of children’s literature on the topic…. The warm illustrations throughout this poignant text bring it to life, adding emotion and realism to the contents.

Seattle Book Review

This touching picture book is heartbreakingly beautiful. The feelings that Sarah has as well as her parents are gently there for the reader to think about, especially if they have lost a loved one. Telling the story from Sarah’s point of view gives a voice to the feelings children may have after losing a sibling or other special person.” 

WriteKnit

2020-01-12
A family begins healing following a devastating loss.

Sarah lovingly remembers big brother Ethan, who has died. Mommy and Daddy won't talk or reminisce about him; neither wants to hear his name. Small acts offer solace: saying Ethan's name aloud, writing his name, drawing his picture. When Sarah hangs the drawing on the refrigerator, Mommy and Daddy, distraught, leave the room. When Sarah angrily shouts that no one else seems to miss or remember Ethan, Mommy and Daddy must finally confront their pain. In doing so, they rehang the drawing in a more prominent location and gently explain that it's grief that's made them seem unfeeling. Poring over a family album allows everyone to openly share happy memories. The upbeat ending of this well-written, reassuring tale feels a tad rushed, and there's no sense of how much time has elapsed since Ethan's death. However, the author gets two important plot points just right. The circumstances surrounding Ethan's death aren't mentioned, suggesting the family (all depicted with pale skin and dark hair) is heartbroken simply because Ethan has died; as in real life, one cause is no less wrenching than another. Furthermore, the child has real agency; Sarah effects change in the family dynamic that leads to cathartic healing. The delicate illustrations are expressive and effective. Useful psychologist's tips in the backmatter guide adults in helping children discuss the death of a family member.

Gentle, comforting bibliotherapy. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews