Beck Valley Books

#Bookreview - My Grief Is Like the Ocean: A Story for Children Who Lost a Parent to Suicide by Jessica Biles and Jillian Kelly-Wavering

Written by mental health professionals who wanted to support caregivers during incredibly difficult conversations with children. Told from the perspective of a boy who lost his father to suicide, this book will help children to feel supported.

Available in ebook, paperback, hardback and audio
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/My-Grief-Like-Ocean-Children-ebook/dp/B0BBKS4XVF
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/My-Grief-Like-Ocean-Children/dp/1615996869
Hardback: https://www.amazon.com/My-Grief-Like-Ocean-Children/dp/1615996877
Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/My-Grief-Like-Ocean-Children/dp/B0BDGGDL72

* Our book review *
Grief is such a hard thing to battle through at any age, so I can't imagine how difficult it must be for a child to comprehend, especially losing someone to suicide. This supportive book is beautifully illustrated and works as a gentle tool for carer and child to openly discuss the heartbreaking events and their feelings to each other as it follows the little boy's emotional journey after losing his dad to suicide.


The authors deal with this in a delicate way and the child describes their feelings similar to a storm and an ocean which other children will no doubt be able to understand. The authors also touch on depression, conflicting feelings during the child's stages of grief, counselling help, school, and eventually happy times. Without giving spoilers I loved how the little boy created ways to be closer to his dad.


Although we tend to shield our children from events such as this, sadly they do happen and I'm so pleased that using their professional experiences the authors have made this book available to those who need it or who wish to learn more.
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* About the book *
The death of a parent is heartbreaking, but the issues surrounding suicide can be even more devastating. My Grief is Like the Ocean was written by mental health professionals who wanted to support caregivers during incredibly difficult conversations with children. Using the latest research and clinical guidance, and told from the perspective of a boy who lost his father to suicide, this book will help children to feel supported. When caregivers and children read this book together, they will gain a valuable resource for engaging in honest, informative and heartfelt discussions to help families heal.


This book will:

Help children and caregivers talk about their grief experiences
Normalize and encourage the many emotions a child may feel after a loss due to suicide
Promote important dialogue and concrete ways to seek help for mental illness
Provide caregivers with ideas for developmentally appropriate coping skills
Offer additional resources caregivers can access for further support


"This is the one book all parents and clinicians need to have in their personal library. Adults now have a tool to help children navigate the difficult emotions of abandonment, betrayal, rage, and anger that often bubble up after the suicide of a loved one, but are often suppressed and left unspoken." -- Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, RPT-S, founder and president emeritus, New York Association of Play Therapy, past director of the Association for Play Therapy


"My Grief is Like the Ocean tackles the seldom discussed, emotionally wrenching and very difficult concept of suicide in a way that children can understand...delicately using the metaphor of the ocean to describe how its shifting waves mirror the boy's feelings. The explanations are concise. The opportunity for a child to acknowledge their feelings is boundless." -- Laurie Zelinger, Ph.D., ABPP, RPT-S, board-certified psychologist, author of Please Explain Anxiety to Me


"This book is important and much needed, since the death of a parent by suicide is one of the most complicated and devastating forms of childhood grief. I found the book to be brilliant and written with the foundation of great sensitivity and compassion. I also loved the eloquent use of metaphors throughout. Highly recommended!" -- David A. Crenshaw, Ph.D., ABPP, author, board-certified clinical psychologist


"My Grief is Like the Ocean addresses the complex and conflicting feelings survivors have when they have lost a loved one to suicide. It is a must-have resource for all therapists that work with children and youth, as well as the surviving family members who may need direction regarding how to support their children as they experience this unique form of grief and loss." -- Theresa Fraser, CYC-P, CPT-S, MA, RP, RCT, CT, trauma, loss, and attachment clinical specialist


From Loving Healing Press