The Memory Box: A Book About Grief

by Joanna Rowland, Thea Baker (Illustrator)

Overview

A beautifully written story and must-have resource for any adult helping a child cope with the loss of a loved one and working through grief.

From the perspective of a young child, author Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it's like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died. The child in the story wonders if she will forget the person who has gone. Other days I wonder if I’ll ever stop feeling sad you are gone.

The main character creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of her loved one to help with the grieving process. Throughout the narrative, the child's feelings are acknowledged, allowed, and assured that feelings are normal and healthy to express. Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box helps children, parents, educators, therapists, and social workers talk about this very difficult topic together.

The unique point of view allows each reader to imagine the loss of someone they've loved — a friend, family member, or even a pet. A guide in the back includes information to help children manage grief and offers suggestions on how to create a memory box.

Recommended and adopted by parenting blogs, bereavement support groups, hospice centers, social service agencies, military library services, church groups, and educators, The Memory Box offers a very simple approach to overcoming loss, separation, and disappointment while also giving support and encouragement that children easily understand. A perfect companion to this book is The Memory Book: A Grief Journal for Children and Families that helps children record stories, memories, and feelings as an honoring keepsake to be cherished for years to come.

"When a loved one dies, children need consolation, love, support, and affection. The Memory Box addresses a difficult subject sensitively. This beautiful book will help start the grieving process and support children to talk about their loved one in a normal, healthy way."—Sue Atkins, author of Parenting Made Easy: How to Raise Happy Children

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506426723
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	09/26/2017
Series:	Memory Box Series
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	19,098
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Joanna Rowland grew up in Sacramento, California, where she still lives today with her husband and three children. She teaches kindergarten by day and writes picture books at night. In the summer, you'll find her by water or cozying up with a book. She is the author of The Memory Box: A Book about Grief; The Memory Book: A Grief Journal for Children and Families; Stay Through the Storm; When Things Are Hard, Remember; and Big Bear Was Not the Same.

Thea Baker grew up in a country town in England. She is currently living in Australia and working internationally as a children's illustrator. Thea obtained her BA (Hons) Degree in illustration at the prestigious Falmouth University. Her dissertation was on the subject of grief in children's books.

Editorial Reviews

09/11/2017
A girl with long blonde hair candidly reflects on the death of an unspecified loved one. Worried that she might forget the person, she puts together a “memory box” filled with tokens to remind her of “everywhere we’ve been, everywhere you’ve been, everywhere we wanted to go.” Baker’s mixed-media collages integrate bits of fabric and softly textured papers, creating a homey atmosphere that dovetails nicely with the girl’s homemade box. Rowland gently suggests that grief doesn’t always move in a straight line (“Some days are good.... Other days, I wonder if I’ll ever stop feeling sad”) and emphasizes that one can cherish memories while simultaneously moving forward. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

"A small children's book can't say everything, but it can say something very important. This wonderfully illustrated book does just that. Joanna Rowland gently reminds a hurting child that amid the pain of losing a loved one to death, their love remains alive in memory and relationships, and that love is not diminished even as the child is called to go on living. Many young (and old!) hearts will find real comfort and courage in these pages." —Kelly M. Kapic, author of Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering

"A small children's book can't say everything, but it can say something very important. This wonderfully illustrated book does just that. Joanna Rowland gently reminds a hurting child that amid the pain of losing a loved one to death, their love remains alive in memory and relationships, and that love is not diminished even as the child is called to go on living. Many young (and old!) hearts will find real comfort and courage in these pages." —Sue Atkins, author of Parenting Made Easy: How to Raise Happy Children

"Baker's mixed-media collages integrate bits of fabric and softly textured papers, creating a homey atmosphere that dovetails nicely with the girl's homemade box." —Publishers Weekly

"Heartfelt and comforting, "The Memory Box" is beautifully illustrated by Thea Baker and will help adults talk about this very difficult topic with children ages 4 to 8." —Midwest Book Review, The Psychology Shelf

From the Publisher

Heartfelt and comforting, "The Memory Box" is beautifully illustrated by Thea Baker and will help adults talk about this very difficult topic with children ages 4 to 8.” – Midwest Book Review, Psychology Shelf

Midwest Book Review