The Memory Box - by Joanna Rowland (Hardcover)

About the Book

A beautifully written story and must-have resource for any adult helping a child cope with death and grief. The Memory Box helps children talk about loss and sadness. Recommended by parenting blogs, support groups, and educators, a guide in the back helps kids manage grief and offers suggestions on how to create a memory box.

Book Synopsis

A multi-award-winning story about dealing with the loss of a loved one, The Memory Box has been an invaluable resource for thousands of families.

From the perspective of a young child, author Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it's like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died. The child in the story wonders if she will forget the person who has gone. Other days I wonder if I'll ever stop feeling sad you are gone.

The main character creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of her loved one to help with the grieving process. Throughout the narrative, the child's feelings are acknowledged, allowed, and assured that feelings are normal and healthy to express. Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box helps children, parents, educators, therapists, and social workers talk about this very difficult topic together.

The unique point of view allows each reader to imagine the loss of someone they've loved -- a friend, family member, or even a pet. A guide in the back includes information to help children manage grief and offers suggestions on how to create a memory box.

Recommended and adopted by parenting blogs, bereavement support groups, hospice centers, social service agencies, military library services, church groups, and educators, The Memory Box offers a very simple approach to overcoming loss, separation, and disappointment while also giving support and encouragement that children easily understand. A perfect companion to this book is The Memory Book: A Grief Journal for Children and Families that helps children record stories, memories, and feelings as an honoring keepsake to be cherished for years to come.

"When a loved one dies, children need consolation, love, support, and affection. The Memory Box addresses a difficult subject sensitively. This beautiful book will help start the grieving process and support children to talk about their loved one in a normal, healthy way." --Sue Atkins, author of Parenting Made Easy: How to Raise Happy Children

"Heartfelt and comforting, "The Memory Box" is beautifully illustrated by Thea Baker and will help adults talk about this very difficult topic with children ages 4 to 8." --Midwest Book Review, The Psychology Shelf

Review Quotes

"A small children's book can't say everything, but it can say something very important. This wonderfully illustrated book does just that. Joanna Rowland gently reminds a hurting child that amid the pain of losing a loved one to death, their love remains alive in memory and relationships, and that love is not diminished even as the child is called to go on living. Many young (and old!) hearts will find real comfort and courage in these pages." --Kelly M. Kapic, author of Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering

"A small children's book can't say everything, but it can say something very important. This wonderfully illustrated book does just that. Joanna Rowland gently reminds a hurting child that amid the pain of losing a loved one to death, their love remains alive in memory and relationships, and that love is not diminished even as the child is called to go on living. Many young (and old!) hearts will find real comfort and courage in these pages." --Sue Atkins, author of Parenting Made Easy: How to Raise Happy Children

"Baker's mixed-media collages integrate bits of fabric and softly textured papers, creating a homey atmosphere that dovetails nicely with the girl's homemade box." --Publishers Weekly

"Heartfelt and comforting, "The Memory Box" is beautifully illustrated by Thea Baker and will help adults talk about this very difficult topic with children ages 4 to 8." --Midwest Book Review, The Psychology Shelf