Written for children who may not survive their illness or for the children who know them, this tender and touching tale helps address feelings of disbelief, anger, and sadness, along with love and compassion. Amanda and Little Tree discover that their friend Gentle Willow isn't feeling well. Amanda summons the Tree Wizards, who visit Gentle Willow and determine that they can't fix her. Amanda is angry at first, but eventually she listens to the Tree Wizards as they explain that death is a transformation and journey into the unknown. They also counsel Amanda that the medicine she can give Gentle Willow is love. In a final act of love, Amanda comforts Gentle Willow, who is afraid, with a story about the caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly. A new "Note to Parents" addresses how to cope with death and dying.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
A beautiful, sensitive and hope-filled metaphor which emphasizes transformation and the healing power of love. -- Geraldine Yarne, MD, Connecticut Children's Hospital, Newington Ct
The tenderness coupled with reality is a unique blend which will comfort all who read this beautiful book. -- Neal G. Sutherland, MD, Cancer Care Coordinator, GN Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Hawaii --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
The tenderness coupled with reality is a unique blend which will comfort all who read this beautiful book. -- Neal G. Sutherland, MD, Cancer Care Coordinator, GN Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Hawaii --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From the Publisher
The review from Horn Book is inaccurate; this book does not talk about cancer or any other specific illness.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
97 of 98 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
A lot of childrens' books about death are either specific to one religion, or not spiritual at all. This book is a nice bridge between the two extremes. It alludes to the metamorphosis of caterpillar into butterfly, and it describes death as change of form rather than an ending. It also talks about how the living can comfort the dying and how the we cherish memories of them after death. All of this is brought up very tenderly, in the context of a squirrel whose friend, a tree, is dying. The book even touches on the emotions of anger and fear, without dwelling too much on negatives.
71 of 71 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
When I first read "Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying," I thought it was about preparing a child for the death of a terminally ill loved one. After all, the story tells about Amanda, a squirrel, and her friends Little Tree and Gentle Willow. One day Amanda notices that Gentle Willow looks and feels differently. Amanda becomes concerned about her friend and calls in Fixumup and Imageen the tree wizards, who check Gentle Willow and have to admit that while they can make her feel more comfortable and help her feel stronger, they cannot make her all better. The tree wizards comfort Amanda about the impending loss of her friend by explaining about the special gifts called memories.
When I finished reading this book I turned to the introduction and learned "Gentle Willow" was written for children who may not survive their illness as well as for the children who know them. I have to admit, I thought this sensitive book would also help children prepare for the death of a grandparent, or someone of any age. The basic metaphor of the caterpillars turning into butterflies applies any loved one. Dr. Mills developed this book out of an earlier effort, "Little Tree: A Story for Children with Serious Medical Problems," which reflects her specialty in storytelling as a healing process of children and adults. Obviously, this book will touch adults as well as the children for whom it was intended. The watercolor illustrations by Michael Chesworth captures the shifting tones of this tale, especially through the subtle changes on the face of Amanda, as sadness is replaced by hope through the healing power of love.
I wish your children will never have a need for such a book, but if the situation arises, I hope that you find this book.
65 of 65 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I read this book to my 9 year old daughter when we found out her cancer was terminal. It helped her and her friends deal better with her impending death. I highly recommend this book to people who are dealing with children and death.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read for Children
I bought this for my 5 year old son when my grandmother died, and my niece was diagnosed with cancer. Read more
Published 1 month ago by hwentz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hated to purchase this.
A young couple we know had a stillborn child. This is not the type of purchase you want to make for the would-be big sister. Read more
Published 4 months ago by momo3gurlz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comforting for young child
I purchased this book for my three year old daughter when her aunt (and care-giver) was diagnosed with cancer and we lost her in three short months. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ann Marie Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book on dying
We had a death in the family and my brother needed something for his kids to read and understand what death is. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Dan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gentle Willow
This was a very good book. It helped me explaine to my child about one of his classmates passing away. I would recommend it.
Published 17 months ago by denise, texas
3.0 out of 5 stars
Death of older person
Bought to help my 4 yr old understand that his cousin died. He now understand death and that it happens at any given time. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Ryan C
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for bibliotherapy or home
Creative Interventions for Bereaved Children
I really love using this book in my therapy work with children, but I think it's one that parents can use with their... Read more
I really love using this book in my therapy work with children, but I think it's one that parents can use with their... Read more
Published on November 3, 2010 by Amie C. Myrick
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
This is a great book for helping children to understand the cycle of life. I felt that it was a great way to talk about death with my son without him feeling any pressure. Read more
Published on December 4, 2009 by Mom to Angels
4.0 out of 5 stars
Gentle Willow
Beautifully written. Illustrations are wonderful. Product was received in timely fashion and in great condition.
Published on November 1, 2009 by S. Dalton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gentle Willow
Book is a nice way to explain death to children but is not for little children. The concepts are hard to grasp for very young children.
Published on October 28, 2009 by Sue
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