FAITH NEWS SERVICE – “Discussing death with your kids can be a real concern and many tend to avoid it. Death is however an inevitable part of life and it is our responsibility to ensure our kids are aware of it and know it’s okay to discuss it,” says an article from the Child Development Institute.[1]
Parents will find a new resource for dealing with this eventuality in a picture book entitled Always and Forever (Redemption Press) by Donna Arthur Downs, illustrated by Elena Delzer. In the book, after her grandma dies a little girl questions her grandma’s promise to be there for her “always and forever.”
She wonders about the meaning of always and forever as she grieves her loss. As the girl works her way through the grieving process, memories come alive in her mind, and she realizes on her own that those memories can help her as she seeks to move forward and live without her grandma’s literal presence.
Downs, who teaches at the college level, says, “Love is enduring; we remember feelings even when people leave us.” Touching and memorable, this realistic approach to helping children with their feelings of grief highlights the importance of cherishing memories and the value of building relationships. Delightful rhyming language will appeal to children and adults.
Michelle Medlock Adams, multiple-award-winning author of more than one hundred books, including Fly High: Understanding Grief with God’s Help says, “Grief is difficult to navigate—especially when you’re a child.
Always & Forever is a great resource for families to use when helping a child cope with the loss of a loved one. In this tender picture book, Author Donna Arthur Downs lets readers feel the pain this child feels after Grandma passes away, walking us through the heartbreak and leaving us with a sense of hope and peace.
Often, the loss of a grandparent is the first death a child will experience, so this book will be very relatable for children and offer them comfort as they walk through the stages of grief.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Donna Arthur Downs is an emerging author and poet. She has a BA and an MA in English and communication and an Ed.D. in adult, community, and higher education, and has taught at the college level for more than thirty years. Her articles have appeared in various magazines, and most recently in the compilation Chicken Soup for the Soul: Attitude of Gratitude. Donna is married to Larry, and they have two sons, Nathan and Brandon, one daughter-in-law, one granddaughter, and two grandsons. An amateur photographer and guitar player, she enjoys playing board games and appreciates nature and the sounds of the woods of southern Indiana.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Madison, Wisconsin-based artist Elena Delzer received her BFA in illustration from Taylor University. Inspired by the beauty of nature and peaceful moments, she loves creating and bringing stories to life.
For interviews, contact Donna Downs at dndowns@taylor.edu.
Website: http://donnaarthurdowns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dndowns/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dndowns/
Twitter: momma_donna
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaarthurdowns/
Suggested Interview Questions:
- Why do you think adults struggle with what to say to a child after a death in the family?
- What are some things you don’t advise telling children about death?
- Why is a Christian worldview so integral to comforting children experiencing grief?
- Why is giving age-appropriate information so important?
- You teach at the college level. It’s interesting that you chose to write for children using rhyme. What’s your theory on the importance of rhythm and rhyme in young learners?
[1] “How to Talk to Kids About Death,” Child Development Institute, Parenting Today, LLC, www.childdevelopmentinfo.com.
