Customer Reviews

Balloons for Trevor: Understanding Death (Comforting Little Hearts)

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I ordered this book knowing it was based on Christian beliefs, but I feel that the ideas presented are too extreme to allow for differences in the way parents may want to discuss the death of a loved one with their children. Not all Christians express their thoughts about dying in the same way. I was uncomfortable with some statements such as, "Trevor loved Jesus and believed that Jesus died on the cross for him. When a person who loves Jesus dies, God takes that person to be with Him in heaven." "Jesus will fix Trevor's body for his new life in heaven." "Jesus died to take the punishment for the bad things we do." This may be perfect book for many families, but some may feel uncomfortable sharing it with children.

This book is about a young boy whose friend dies. In the book the parents explain death, discuss heaven and Jesus. The boy fears his own death. His parents help him deal with questions including "Does God take good boys?" and "Can you see a friend if he dies?" The boys goes to a special kids grief group. At the end of the book the boy celebrates Trevor's birthday with balloons at the park. A ballon floats upward as if toward heaven. The last page of the book gives parents a list of what to do and what not to do to help grieving children.

This book is the perfect book for my son. A good friend of his died (at almost 5 yrs old.) This book is so parallel to our experience--I actually can't read it all the way through yet without tears. It's written from a Christian perspective (God/Jesus/Heaven.) It basically reinforces what we've tried to explain to our son, and it brings up other excellent points. When we read it, we end up crying together and talking about our friend and how the book is so similar to our experience. My son opens up and asks questions that are on his mind and talks about things regarding his friend. He asks to read it at least once every day. It has been very helpful for us.