Discover how a young girl gains healing and hope as she processes the loss of a loved one in this beautifully sensitive story.
Piper is feeling sad and empty after the loss of her mother. So when her father, who is struggling in his own way, gives her a telescope to console her, she’s excited to explore the night sky. But she doesn’t find stars or planets when she looks through her lens. Instead, she finds a constellation of memories, a treasured collection of big and small moments with her mother, which she hurries to draw before they fade from view. Night after night she sketches, until eventually, she finds herself in a room covered in memories, surrounded by reminders of her mother’s love.
This poignant book offers children a pathway to acknowledge and process their grief over the loss of a loved one. The author's spare and lyrical language provides the emotional depth the topic requires, while allowing parents and caregivers to use the book to begin deeper conversations with their young loved ones. Whether children choose to use art as their outlet or find another way, the message is clear: they can carry the memories of their loved ones with them.
An ending Note to Parents features guidance from a licensed children's counselor about how to use the book and where to find additional resources. Written from a place of personal experience, this story strives to bring comfort to children hurting after loss.---from the publisher
32 pages 978-1546003168 Ages 4-7
Keywords: death and dying, loss, grief, dealing with feelings, dealing with emotions, sadness, healing, hope, drawing, art, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old
*********
Piper feels empty after the loss of her mother. She doesn't want create art anymore until she gets a telescope as a gift. Not only does Piper see stars in the skies, she sees her mother's face, "...a face that tucked her in at night...A face with cheeks that smelled of sweet vanilla..." Piper feels her creativity switch on; she draws again. Soon, her sketchbook and her room is filled with drawings of her with her mother.
She wonders if her father will see what she sees when he looks through the telescope, but she decides to wait to ask him. One night, Piper looks through the lens and doesn't see her mother anymore, but she remembers all the memories, the "moonlight memories," of her mother. She leads her father to the telescope and says, "Your turn."
*Moonlight Memories *is a quiet book, but deals with huge feelings. Full of hope, healing and love, it's a gem of a read. Illustrations by Michelle Jing Chan are transcendent. A stellar work of art with a beautiful message of hope, this picture book is a must-have.
Ages 2 and up. This is a great book to open up conversations about loss of a parent and healing.
Recommended by Thompson McLeod (Pamela), blogger, reviewer, literary intern, writer, lifelong YA librarian, Florida USA
See more of her recommendations: http://booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com/
