This beautifully illustrated, therapeutic picture book tells the story of Stan the Giraffe. Stan loves the sun and to feel its warmth on his long back; but one day it suddenly and unexpectedly falls from the sky and disappears from his life. Stan experiences many different and difficult emotions throughout the story, reflecting the seven stages of grief. The story aims to normalise these feelings, which for children and those around them, can be frightening.

This storybook has been written to support key adults in helping bereaved children to find a way to cope, manage and make it through their grief.

The resource Supporting Children through Bereavement and Loss has been written to accompany the storybook, providing information, guidance and ideas for anyone supporting a grieving child, in school or at home.

About the Author

Hollie Rankin is a counsellor who has worked with and supported children, young people and their families within schools in the North East over the last ten years. Her recent books on trauma and bereavement were prompted by a noticeable gap in resources to help to guide adults when supporting children in emotionally-challenging circumstances.

Reviews

Bereavement comes in all shapes and sizes and this beautifully illustrated story, can be accessed by all ages. It creates containment, allowing the thoughts and feelings of Stan's loss to be explored, making the emotions of grief tangible. A great resource.

Charlotte Kerr, Behaviour Practitioner.

Due to increased waiting times and lack of outside agency support, pressure is being placed on schools to help children cope with what can be an upsetting and stressful world. Supporting with mental health is an area teachers often lack confidence in. These books and resources offer the starting point needed and enable teachers and teaching assistants to feel like this is an area they can support with. Beautifully illustrated and a pleasure to read. After years of searching I know there is nothing quite as good as this out there!

Corrin Watson, Assistant Head Teacher and SENCO

These wonderful stories are so easy for children to relate to, and understand the feelings and meanings shared. The resource books are ideal for helping children to explore their emotions, and for parents, carers and school staff to feel equipped to help them to do so.

Gemma Oliver, Learning Mentor

This book helps to explains loss in a beautiful way that children will be able to understand. A lovely read for such a hard subject. It removes the stigma and the recourse guide aids parents, carers and professionals from all areas to be able to tackle this and enable children to work through their pain. I can't recommend these books enough.

Rosie Cottam, Child Psychotherapist

Book Information
ISBN 9781138360440
Author Hollie Rankin
Format Paperback
Page Count 17
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 290g