Cry, Heart, But Never Break
Enchanted Lion / Publishers Group Canada
By Glenn Ringtved, illustrated by Charlotte Pardi
32 pages
age 5-8
Synopsis from Publishers Group Canada:
Aware their grandmother is gravely ill, four siblings make a pact to keep death from taking her away. But Death does arrive all the same, as it must. He comes gently, naturally. And he comes with enough time to share a story with the children that helps them to realize the value of loss to life and the importance of being able to say goodbye.
Although as parents we wish we could protect our kids from the sadness brought on by death, it’s a part of life. Cry, Heart, But Never Break tackles this sad and difficult subject in a thoughtful way. It acknowledges that we feel grief, that if we could we would try to push it off, especially if it hangs over someone we love. Having death personified, sharing a story with the children, makes it less scary and reminds readers that sadness is needed for us to appreciate the happiness.
Sometimes a story can ease the conversation around difficult subjects with kids. Cry, Heart, But Never Break is a sensitive honest approach without being childish.
Additional Reading: The Monstore.
You can find a copy of Cry, Heart, But Never Break from Publishers Group Canada or your local bookstore. Visit our Kid’s Books section for other great book recommendations.