Tear Soup

I decided to start in on picture books.  This is one of my all-time favorites.  It's the story of an "old and somewhat wise woman whom everyone called Grandy" and how she mourns the loss of a grandchild.  It's insightful and non-threatening as it probes the grieving process and all involved, with emphasis on the fact that everyone grieves differently.

Audience

Anyone, child or adult, who has grieved, is grieving, or knows someone who is grieving

What I Love About This Book
The illustrations are beautiful.  They also contain added insight if examined closely.  The dog is adorable and fun.  I just feel this is a very child safe and simple way to understand the complexities of grief.  Each page talks about being okay with feeling whatever you are feeling.  I like that it shows grief as having an end, of sorts.  Anyone who's experienced it will know that those feelings of loss will flare up every now and then, but it is a triumphant day when you no longer need your grief and can let it go for the most part.  There's even several pages of appendix talking about different kinds of loss and how women/men/children will experience loss differently and how others can help them.

Caution
While it is applicable to all grief and loss, it is slanted toward bereavement