Customer Reviews

This Book Is for All Kids, but Especially My Sister Libby. Libby Died.

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is wonderful. We are sharing them with all of the children at our grief and loss camp and we hope it gives them comfort during such a difficult time. It is important for children to know that they are not alone in their grief and we will use this book to open up dialog so they can begin to understand. We will keep copies of the books at our hospice for all of our families to read.

I knew by the title that this book had something powerful to say, and it didn't disappoint. The first thing you see when you open it is a photograph of Libby... and a picture of a caterpillar that will soon have wings, as Libby's brother, the author, imagines Libby does. In typical kid fashion, brother Jack wonders about what it's like to be dead. He poses sweet questions, funny questions.... Jack lets us know there is plenty of life left in us after we die. This is a book I'll read over and over again... and will give to elementary counselors and teachers. This book is a great comfort to those who have lost someone and those who wonder about death.

The death of a loved one is difficult to grasp. People often have questions because they can't understand why...now imagine if you are a child. This book looks at the death of a loved one purely through the eyes of a child. In the unfortunate event of death, this book not only helps children understand, but I believe it helps adults cope. If only adults could be as honest and uncensored with their emotions as a child.

Jack and Annette Simon have published an important book-- one that will open up vital dialogue between children and adults on an often avoided topic. Jack's words, full of honesty and insight, provoke as many smiles as tears, and the delightful illustrations are no less powerful for their whisical style. Hats off to Annette for allowing Jack's comments and questions to stand on their own. By not trying to provide pat answers to the mysteries of life and death, she validates the complex feelings of grief with which all of us-- children and adults-- wrestle. Keep this book on your shelf; we are all going to need it sometime in life.

I recently read this book, published in 2000, written by Annette Simon's son Jack, age 5 (and illustrated by Annette). The rather lengthy title of the book is "This Book Is for All Kids, but Especially My Sister Libby. Libby Died..." The book chronicles Jack's comments and questions to his mother after the death of his younger sister from a rare disorder. Despite the sad topic, the book is surprisingly upbeat and filled with humor, though it brought tears to my eyes, too.

Even more so than in Mocking Birdies (Annette Simon's other book, which I also reviewed), the fonts and colors and illustrations make the book really stand out. Some words are in a huge font, like shouting, while others whisper from a tiny font at the bottom of the page. Clever touches abound, like the question mark that has a picture of the Earth for the period beneath it (on a page with oversized text asking "In heaven, are you as big as you were on Earth?").

Jack's questions and observations range from the mundane ("And when you die, you don't even have food"), to the humorous, to the profound ("And when you die, you're set free"). Overall, the book is uplifting and positive. The Amazon reviews are all highly enthusiastic, too.

I think that this book could help any child to understand and deal with loss. Though the book is focused on the loss of a sibling, I think that it speaks to anyonewho has lost a parent or grandparent or other loved one. And I think that the simplicity and faith of Jack's responses will help adults, too. Which is a pretty remarkable achievement for a 5-year-old.

This review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on February 18th, 2006.

This attractive and colorful book is a very fast read, yet it brings several opportunities for giggles, tears, and some very profound glimpses into what it's like for a child to lose a sibling.

This book is an excellent resource for parents and professionals who want to help children express their own feelings about loss. The author learned so much in his five short years, and he shares it with readers in an open, imaginative, captivating manner.

I thought this book was really great, it made me cry. It touched my heart!

It is such a gift when we have the opportunity to see life through the eyes of a child. This book gives us that gift. Such simple words with such powerful images.... Thank you Jack, for sharing yourself with all of us.

This is a truly wonderful book for both siblings and parents who have experienced loss. The thoughts expressed both warm and break your heart all at the same time. Jack's innocence is touching and very realistic. Bereaved children will certainly see themselves in his story. It is a beautiful tribute to grief and loss.