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Melissa Allen Heath
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Why?: A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide Kindle Edition

by Melissa Allen Heath (Author), Frances Ives (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 9 ratings
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A picture book geared to help parents and counselors communicate with young children about a parent’s suicide.

Oliver’s daddy loved him—a whole bunch, forever and for always. One day Oliver’s daddy died by suicide. Why? Oliver’s mommy hugs him tight, and she tells him why. And she reassures Oliver that his daddy loved him—and that will never change.

In developmentally appropriate language and evocative illustrations, this picture book helps open communication about why a parent completes suicide. A reader’s note offers more information about supporting children who have lost a parent to suicide.
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  1. Reading age
    3 - 8 years
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Publisher
    Magination Press
  6. Publication date
    September 5, 2023
  7. Page Flip
    Not Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Not Enabled
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1433841965
  11. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
9 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Edward Weir
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love love
    Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is an amazing book for a child who has lost a parent! It would work great for a lost grandparent or pet as well. But with so few for children of lost parents this one is amazing.
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  • TheCrabbySunflower
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful book for children left with big questions
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this to read with the girls and tonight was our first read through; so many times, I heard one or both say “That’s just like my dad!” It’s important to find books that can help them feel less alone, to let them know they aren’t the only children who have lost a parent to suicide. The language is direct and explains death by suicide in a very general manner, focusing on the depression and not the means of suicide.

    Listen, I love a good book review but I never imagined I’d be searching for books to help my children navigate such a heavy topic. If your child has lost someone they love to suicide, this book would be a helpful resource. Children are egocentric until they are much older; they do not have the same broad sense of understanding that others may have experienced a similar sense of grief.

    Finally, I would add that reading these stories to the girls out loud is a real dagger to the heart. Caregivers should read through new books about big topics BEFORE reading with the child to prepare for any big triggers for both the child and the reader.

    Stay; the world is a better place with you in it.
    🦀🌻
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Hills F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just right!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    So helpful in aiding young children navigate such an impossible loss.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Panda Incognito
    3.0 out of 5 stars A Helpful Resource
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2023
    This picture book approaches a difficult subject with care and gentleness, using the fictional story to talk about parental suicide. The book talks about things that are specific to the fictional family, explains the concept of depression and suicide in kid-friendly language, and reassures kids that it's not their fault, and that their deceased parent loved them.

    The story includes some repetitive pages that were probably supposed to show additional reassurance through repetition, but ended up just seeming redundant, especially since they were specific to the fictional character and don't apply to everyone. This could have been stronger, but even though this book isn't perfect, it is a helpful resource for families suffering from such a tremendous loss. There is also a lengthy, in-depth author's note at the end that shares more advice for caregivers.
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  • sci-fi nerd
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dealing with a parent's suicide is so difficult, and this intends to help
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2023
    This is a pragmatic and thoughtful book, showing how to discuss the tragedy of losing a parent to suicide. It reassures the child that it's okay to be sad, that the love the parent had for the child is completely separate from the intentional departure, and that sharing the fear/sadness/questions with the rest of the family will help everyone heal.

    I especially appreciated the lack of mythical or religious "explanations" for what happened or fantastical ideas for whatever magical or heavenly place their parent might have ended up. There's no place for that. The approach of honestly and openly acknowledging the loss and the very appropriate feelings of sadness makes the most sense. Address the issue, don't try to cover it with your favorite color of glitter, just because you don't think a kid can handle it. It happened, it's tragic, so let's all deal with it. That's how we all heal, young and old.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Stephanie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exploaration of a Difficult Topic for Children
    Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2023
    Suicide is a difficult topic, particularly for children who's love ones have died by suicide. In Why? Melissa Allen Heath explores the life of a child who's parent has died by suicide and how he relates to his mother, his surviving parent. The primary audience I think would be most helped by this book are families who have had loved ones who have died by suicide. Heath does a good job at introducing the topic in an age appropriate manner and normalizing the emotions that children may be having during this team. The art is beautiful and the writing is overall well done. Overall, I would recommend this book to families dealing with being the survivors of a loved ones death by suicide and mental health professionals and teachers working with children through this experience.
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  • A.Moore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
    This is THE children’s book about s*icide that the children’s book works has been waiting for. It is gentle and loving and validating. It is incredibly well done as a story, and the author’s note at the end is an excellent resource. An absolutely necessary book.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Mary Ellen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023
    Published: 11/14/23

    Thank you NetGalley and American Psychological Association, Magination Press for this beautifully written story.

    How do you explain the suicide of a parent to a young child? I have often wondered. This book spoke volumes to me. I think it is well-written and answers the question of why. In addition, reinforcing love and not blaming is important. Suicide is not contagious.

    At the conclusion, there are words and helpful things written by the AMA. I think people in large masses should read this.
    3 people found this helpful
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