You may have read our previous post where Sophie shared her top 5 books, well today it is Jackie’s turn. Jackie has been part of Guy’s Gift from the very start back in 2008 and these days she is one of the charity’s trustees.
You can read what Jackie shares below:
1. Grandpa by John Burningham
I like this book because it encapsulates the relationship between a child and Grandfather in a warm and engaging way. It is a picture book that expresses events that we can all identify with from just being and doing and sharing times together, to learning about loss.
They play let's pretend, they plant seeds in the greenhouse, they sing songs until Grandpa becomes ill. There is opportunity to share the loss experienced at the end of the book
There is dual dialogue throughout with text from Grandpa and the little girl on each page.
This is a delightful book to share. There is so much to talk about and remember all the precious times we spend with grandparents.
2. Michael Rosen's Sad Book
By Michael Rosen with illustrations by Quentin Blake
Michael Rosen reflects On the sadness when someone special in your life dies. This is a book for all ages, especially when shared. It is a good book to have available to dip into. Michael shares his sadness at the death of his son as well as describing things that helped. The wonderful illustrations by Quintin Blake have as much to say as the script.
People of all ages find this a thoughtful and helpful book.
As it says on the back of the book this is a story that "speaks to everyone".
3. Angry Arthur
By Hiawyn Oram and Satoshki Kitamura
This is definitely a book about being angry. It is not about bereavement but part of being bereaved sometimes includes being angry and confused. Children often find it difficult to express why they are angry. Young children can express their emotions through their behaviour and this book is a fun way way to reflect on this.
Arthur is cross when he is told it is bedtime and he wants to stay up. He states " I'll get angry". And he does. With wonderful illustrations the author shows how the anger escalates in a humorous way, with family reminding him "that's enough". I like the page where Grandma, knitting in her rocking chair is carried along with him. It ends with him trying to remember why he was so angry in the first place!
This is a fun book but also provides opportunities to talk about when we get angry, what helps us, why we are angry now. It is ok to feel angry, it is what we do with it that matters It is an opportunity to recognise and understand our emotions.
4. Silly Billy
By Anthony Browne
Billy is a worrier! ( but this book works for any concern, thought or lack of understanding that young people might have)
Here is another beautifully illustrated children's book that can work for all ages. There is plenty of opportunity to talk about our worries. It introduces the idea of talking about what is playing on young minds, if concerns are shared they usually appear smaller. We can all empathise with times when things have kept us awake and this is a lovely book to share and understand you are not alone. There is also the chance to share in a creative activity and make your own worry dolls together.
I love the light hearted way it finishes with Billy making worry dolls for all the worry dolls.
5. The Heart and the Bottle
By Oliver Jeffers
This is a book that works well for anyone who is bottling things up. Time can be a significant factor in bereavement and this is a story about someone who has carried the grief of the loss of someone special from childhood to adulthood. Rather than talk about or share the special person who died she keeps her feelings in a bottle. When she is ready to get them out again she finds they are locked in and it takes the help of another to enable the release.
There is lots to think about, talk about, reflect on and share in this book. And it works well for older young people.
Post by Jackie Potter
