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Why? Melissa Allen Heath

Why? By Melissa Allen Heath

Why? by Melissa Allen Heath

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$14.71
Condition - Very Good
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Summary

A sensitive picture book to help parents and counselors communicate with young children about a parent's suicide.

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Why? Summary

Why?: A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide by Melissa Allen Heath

A picture book geared to help parents and counselors communicate with young children about a parent's suicide.

Oliver's daddy loved him-a whole bunch, forever and for always. One day Oliver's daddy died by suicide. Why? Oliver's mommy hugs him tight, and she tells him why. And she reassures Oliver that his daddy loved him-and that will never change.

In developmentally appropriate language and evocative illustrations, this picture book helps open communication about why a parent completes suicide. A reader's note offers more information about supporting children who have lost a parent to suicide.

Why? Reviews

This groundbreaking picture book provides some possible answers to the question of why someone, especially a parent, might choose death over life.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but when that loved one dies by suicide, most youngsters will have many questions but be provided with few answers. Often, so much stigma and secrecy surround this type of loss that children are further traumatized when adults fail to discuss what happened. Oliver is confused about why his father is no longer living. His mother tries to comfort him, reassuring Oliver that his father loved him and that neither of them are to blame for his death. Oliver's mother explains that his father was overwhelmed by a deep dark sadness and chose to end his life to get away from the sad, scary, and dark feelings, language that effectively depicts depression and demystifies the mental health challenges that led to his death. The illustrations contain several luminous double-page spreads that convey the deep sense of loss experienced by those left behind as well as what it might feel like to be stuck in deep dark sadness. The contrast between those dark pages and the growing lightness surrounding Oliver and his mother as they process their loss is striking. Oliver is biracial; his father is pictured with light skin and curly brown hair and his mother with darker skin and hair.

A helpful how-to guide for difficult but necessary conversations. (reader's note, for more information, reference) (Picture book. 6-9)

-- Kirkus Reviews

About Melissa Allen Heath

Melissa Heath, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and a certified school psychologist. She recently retired and now has time to turn from academic research, focusing on applying the research she has conducted over the past 22 years to improve practice. Her areas of expertise include bibliotherapy, social-emotional learning, suicide, anxiety, and bullying.

Frances Ives is an illustrator and artist. She earned her master's in children's book illustration from Cambridge School of Art. She lives in Cambridge, UK. She is the illustrator of Someday, The World is a Family, and I'll Say Goodbye. Visit francesives.com.

Additional information

CIN1433841967VG
9781433841965
1433841967
Why?: A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide by Melissa Allen Heath
Melissa Allen Heath
Used - Very Good
Hardback
American Psychological Association
2023-09-05
32
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Why?