The Memory Box: A Book About Grief

by Joanna Rowland, Thea Baker (Illustrator)

Overview

"I'm scared I'll forget you..."

From the perspective of a young child, Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it is like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died. The child in the story creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of the loved one, to help in the grieving process. Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box will help children and adults talk about this very difficult topic together. The unique point of view allows the reader to imagine the loss of any they have loved - a friend, family member, or even a pet. A parent guide in the back includes expert information from a Christian perspective on helping children manage the complex and difficult emotions they feel when they lose someone they love, as well as suggestions on how to create their own memory box.

The Memory Box received a 2017 Moonbeam Award in the Picture Books for All Ages category. Launched in 2007, the Moonbeam Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children's books and their creators, and to celebrate children's books and life-long reading.

The Memory Box received the Mom's Choice Award Gold Medal. The Mom's Choice Awards (MCA) evaluates products and services created for children, families and educators. The program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services.

The Memory Box was chosen as a finalist for the 2017 Midwest Book Award in the Children's Picture Books category. The awards recognize quality in independent publishing in the Midwest, including creativity in content and execution, overall book quality, and the book's unique contribution to its subject area.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506426723
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	09/26/2017
Series:	Memory Box Series
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	25,225
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
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

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