Something Very Sad Happened: A Toddler's Guide to Understanding Death

Something Very Sad Happened is intended to be read to two- and three-year-old children to help them understand death and process the loss of a loved one.

When a loved one dies, it can be hard to know how to explain it to a young child, particularly if you are grieving the loss yourself. Written at a developmental level that is appropriate for two- and three-year-olds, the story explains death; lets children know that it is okay to feel sad; and reassures children that they can still love the person who died, and the person who died will always love them.

Since the two- to three-year-old child cannot read, this story is intended to be personalized; certain words are color-coded in red to cue to you to substitute with the appropriate names and pronouns for the person who died.

Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information about talking to children about death, guidelines for answering a child's questions, advice for attending funerals and visiting cemeteries, and ideas for commemorating the loved one.

Author: Bonnie Zucker
Publisher: Magination Press
Published: 08/15/2016
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.7lbs
Size: 10.00h x 8.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781433822667
Audience: Baby-Preschool


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 08/01/2016 pg. 128
Booklist 09/01/2016 pg. 99

About the Author

Bonnie Zucker, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice. She received her undergraduate degree from George Washington University, her master's degree from the University of Baltimore, and her doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. Dr. Zucker specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders and is the author of Anxiety-Free Kids and Take Control of OCD, and co-author of Resilience Builder Program for Children & Adolescents and two relaxation CDs. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband and two sons. Visit bonniezucker.com.

Kim Fleming has always been passionate about creating visual content for children. Her specialty is children's books, but her illustrations can be found in many different places, from children's games to greeting cards. She enjoys working traditionally, and creates her illustrations using watercolor, pencil, and lots of love. Visit her at http: //www.kimflemingillustration.com/ and follow her on Instragram: @KimFlemingIllustration and Twitter: @lilkimfleming.