Something Sad Happened: Helping Children with Grief

Sunny is a little bluebird who loves to sing happy songs until the death of Wren. Sunny's heart hurts because she misses her friend, and she doesn't feel like singing anymore. But Sunny's Mama and forest friends gather around her, teaching her how to share her sadness with God and others. Sunny learns to remember what she can count on about God's love and care and all the love she shared with Wren. Darby A. Strickland uses the story of Sunny to help parents and caregivers walk with children through the complexities of grief and the questions that come with a loss. A special section at the end of the book gives parents tips for helping their children express their sorrow to God and offers ideas for remembering a loved one.
• The second book in the Comfort for Children in Hard Times series, addressing difficult experiences that children commonly face and offering gospel hope and help.
• Children ages four to eight will be drawn to the whimsical illustrations by Thaís Mesquita.
• The companion minibook, Helping Your Family Grieve: Lament and Remember Together by Darby A. Strickland is also available to give parents and caregivers more detailed help.

Publisher: New Growth Press
Type: Hardback
ISBN: 9781645074175

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Darby Strickland counsels and teaches at the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation in Glenside, Pennsylvania. She is the author of a number of works on abuse, trauma, and related topics.

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“As much as we'd like to protect our children from the effects of life in a fallen world, we can't. One day, someone they love will die, and their tiny hearts will experience tremendous grief. Thankfully, Darby Strickland's gentle and helpful book guides little ones (and their adults) through the deep waters of sorrow, leading them to the unshakeable truths of who our good and kind God is. This is a book you may hope you won't need, but you'll be very glad you have.” Megan Hill, Managing Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author of Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts; pastor's wife and pastor's daughter, mother of four