I’m ecstatic to share a new resource that will help kids cope with grief, loss, separation and trauma. These two beautifully written and illustrated books are a must for any hospital playroom, school, home, or setting that works with children.
Guest Blogger, Susan Bernardo
My picture book Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs was born in 2012, when I was going through a painful divorce and trying to comfort my kids (and myself!). At the same time, an artist friend of mine, Courtenay Fletcher, had just lost a dear friend to breast cancer, leaving behind a five-year-old daughter. The two of us wanted to create a book to reassure kids that love is forever and we are always connected to the people we love. Courtenay’s illustrations are colorful, soothing and inclusive – and there are hidden hearts, Xs and Os so kids can look for love on the pages! We are so honored to see the book being used in a variety of settings to help kids deal with loss, grief and separation – from hospitals to shelters to foster care and more.
In a magical turn of events, Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs found its way to Le Var Burton, the actor and host of Reading Rainbow, who invited us to collaborate with him on The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, a picture book to help families cope with traumatic events. The storm provides a metaphor for the turbulent emotions that swirl through us when something bad happens. The main character, Rhino, goes on a journey to release the storm within him – and finds many helpers along the way. The book deals with difficult topics in an engaging, accessible way – and there are even discussion questions at the end so that caregivers can facilitate a healing dialogue with children after reading the book. The Rhino book has had an amazing journey since its release in 2014, appearing on Good Morning America, and being read aloud by VP Joe Biden and First Lady Michelle Obama to military kids. It was even sent on a rocket to the International Space Station to be read by an astronaut for Storytime from Space!
Illustrator Courtenay Fletcher (left) and author Susan Schaefer Bernardo first met in a Mommy and Me class 12 years ago when their kids were babies. Life led them down a new career path together: creating books to help families heal. Their third book, The Big Adventures of Tiny House, will be released in Spring 2017.
Choose one or more ways to enter to win your copy of Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs or The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm
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- Facebook: Follow Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs and leave a comment on their page.
- Twitter: Follow, Like and RT the post to @ChildLifeMommy and @SusanBernardo
- Instagram: Follow @ChildLifeMommy, Like and Tag a friend in the post.
Winner will be chosen 2/2/17
Related Articles:
“I wish that Mommy never dies.” Helping my preschooler cope with grief and loss
