AustLit

'Dianne’s stories, truthfully based around real life experiences, have appeal and therapeutic value for people of all ages and many different cultures.

They inspire hope, and affirm the power of loving relationships and caring communities.

T'he stories are designed to facilitate discussions between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, counsellors and their clients, teachers and their students, or for personal development and understanding.

'The first section consists of five stories for young children. The second section of nine stories is for older children and young people, in fact, people of all ages in a variety of settings. It addresses many of the difficulties children face when growing up in grieving families, as well as difficulties experienced by adults who are also affected by the same loss.

'While the book focuses on death related grief, it would be easy to extrapolate and imagine the same principles as they apply to families grieving other losses – separation and divorce, loss of country, security or important roles.

'The book finishes with a series of questions for group discussion, or for deepening self awareness. It would be a valuable resource not only for grieving families and those who support them, but for inclusion in training sessions for professionals involved in the care of grieving people of all ages – doctors, nurses, teachers, counsellors, psychologists, social workers and clergy.' (Publication summary)