Luna's Red Hat: An Illustrated Storybook To Help Children Cope With Loss And Suicide

Description

It is a beautiful spring day, and Luna is having a picnic in the park with her family, wearing her Mum's red hat. Luna's Mum died one year ago and she still finds it difficult to understand why. She feels that it may have been her fault and worries that her Dad might leave her in the same way. Her Dad talks to her to explain what happened and together they think about all the happy memories they have of Mum.

This beautifully-illustrated storybook is designed as a tool to be read with children aged 6+ who have experienced the loss of a loved one by suicide. Suicide always causes shock, not just for the family members but for everyone around them, and children also have to deal with these feelings. The book approaches the subject sensitively and includes a guide for parents and professionals by bereavement expert, Dr Riet Fiddelaers-Jaspers. It will be of interest to anyone working with, or caring for, children bereaved by suicide, including bereavement counsellors, social workers and school staff, as well as parents, carers and other family members.

Reviews

'Although the subject matter is a difficult one to broach, the story is carefully crafted. It is effective in its simplicity as the story unfolds gently, offering insight into Luna's grief and Dad's support. The theme is sensitively handled as Luna is helped through her heartbreak and loss...I would highly recommend this book to healthcare chaplains, families with children who have lost a parent to suicide and professionals caring for those families.' - Revd Jane Parker

'This illustrated storybook is very sensitively written. We feel the age appropriate language used addresses many of the thoughts and feelings children bereaved by suicide may have, such as 'why would someone you love want to leave you?' and 'was I to blame?'' -- Gillian Harrison, Buckinghamshire Bereavement Services Team Lead