When Someone Dies - by Andrea Dorn (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Navigating the grief and bereavement process can be a challenging and unpredictable experience, especially for children. Whether it's the loss of a family member, friend, pet, or other loved one, children often don't know how to cope with the complicated and complex emotions that accompany death. Written and illustrated by a therapist (and mother), Andrea Dorn, MSW, When Someone Dies walks children through the bereavement process in a simple, concrete, and developmentally appropriate way. Through the lens of mindfulness, children will learn how to say goodbye, make space for any emotions that arise, and work through their grief. Written for parents, teachers, and therapists alike, this straightforward yet powerful book includes: Optional engagement questions to build connection and personalize the reading experience Short mindfulness and self-compassion meditations A developmental guide to children's understanding of death"--

Book Synopsis

Navigating the grief and bereavement process can be a challenging and unpredictable experience, especially for children. Whether it's the loss of a family member, friend, pet, or other loved one, children often don't know how to cope with the complicated and complex emotions that accompany death.

Written and illustrated by a therapist (and mother), Andrea Dorn, MSW, When Someone Dies walks children through the bereavement process in a simple, concrete, and developmentally appropriate way. Through the lens of mindfulness, children will learn how to say goodbye, make space for any emotions that arise, and work through their grief.

Written for parents, teachers, and therapists alike, this straightforward yet powerful book includes:

Optional engagement questions to build connection and personalize the reading experience

Short mindfulness and self-compassion meditations

A developmental guide to children's understanding of death

Review Quotes

"Andrea Dorn has created an invaluable grief resource for children and parents alike. Children need understanding and support around death in ways that can sometimes be mystifying for adults, especially when the adults themselves are grieving too. When Someone Dies is the best book I've ever read addressing death through a child's eyes. Practical yet compassionate, this book offers hope and the tools to build a foundational understanding of the loss we will all experience throughout our lifetimes. I'm profoundly grateful to Andrea Dorn for her contribution to the literature of grief support for children."

--Claire Bidwell Smith, LCPC, author of Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief

"Andrea Dorn has provided an essential resource for parents and caregivers to help children navigate the complicated journey of processing a loss. When Someone Dies clearly defines the concept of grief while providing strategies and exercises to help children work through the feelings and sensations that accompany a loss. This book is invaluable for any child who must encounter such a traumatic life lesson at such a young age. Bravo!"

--Frank Anderson, MD, author of Transcending Trauma: Treating Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems Therapy

"Andrea Dorn's When Someone Dies helps kids explore and understand their feelings about loss in a concrete, easy-to-follow way. This is a wonderful new resource on grief for professionals, kids, and families."

--David Kessler, author of Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief and founder of Grief.com

About the Author

Andrea Dorn, MSW, LISW-CP, is a mom, author, and clinical social worker who works as a psychotherapist with adults and children of all ages. The Mindful Steps series was created as a culmination of her interest and background in mindfulness, behavioral, and attachment theories. Andrea is dedicated to helping young minds and their families navigate the big and small changes that come with child development by encouraging mindfulness and emotional connection.