A parent might reach for this book when helping a child process the recent death of a loved one, especially a grandparent. It offers a gentle and imaginative way to explore grief, not by focusing on the sadness of absence, but by celebrating the enduring power of connection. The story follows a young boy who is visited in a dream by his grandmother. Together, they take a magical flight over their town, sharing a moment of joy and comfort that transcends her passing. Its poetic language and dreamlike illustrations make it a soothing read for ages 5 to 8, perfect for reassuring a child that the love and warmth from someone they've lost will always remain with them, becoming a part of who they are.
The book deals directly with the death of a grandparent. The approach is gentle and metaphorical, using a dream to process the loss. It is a secular narrative, focusing on love and memory as the forces that keep a person's spirit alive. The resolution is deeply hopeful, framing memory not as a painful reminder of absence, but as a source of ongoing comfort and strength.
Ideal Reader
A child, aged 5 to 8, who has recently lost a close loved one (particularly a grandparent) and is trying to understand what that connection means now. It is for a sensitive child who responds to lyrical language and finds comfort in imagination.
Parent Prep
Parents should read this book with their child, not assign it. Be prepared for the opening line which states the grandmother is gone. The key is to frame the dream not as a fantasy, but as a beautiful way our minds and hearts help us remember and stay close to people. The final page, where the boy feels her warmth in the waking world, is the crucial takeaway and a good point for a comforting hug. A parent has recently told their child about the death of a family member. The child is asking questions like, "Where did they go?" or saying, "I miss them." The child seems sad or withdrawn and the parent is looking for a gentle way to open a conversation about memory and continuing bonds.
Age Experience
A younger child (5-6) will connect with the magic of flying and the comfort of being with Grandma again. They will understand the core message that her love is still with him. An older child (7-8) will be better able to grasp the more abstract metaphor: that the dream represents the power of memory and the internalization of a loved one's presence.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many grief books that focus on sadness or explaining the facts of death, this book uses a magical realism framework to externalize an internal feeling. The dream flight is a unique and powerful metaphor for how memories can lift us up and provide comfort. Its poetic, non-didactic approach makes it feel more like a beautiful piece of art than a lesson about grief.
Read plot summary
A young boy, grieving the recent loss of his grandmother, is visited by her in a dream. She takes him on a magical flight on the back of his kite, soaring over their town. The dream is filled with warmth, love, and a sense of peaceful connection. When he wakes, the dream is over, but the feeling of his grandmother's love remains with him, a comforting and lasting presence.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When the boy and his grandma are flying, he feels warm and safe. What is a favorite memory you have with someone that makes you feel warm and happy inside?
2
Grandma says, 'Some things are much bigger than a dream.' What do you think she means by that? What feelings do you think are bigger than dreams?
3
At the end of the book, the boy wakes up but still feels his grandma's love with him. How do you think we can keep the love of people who are gone with us in our hearts?
4
The boy and his grandma ride on his kite. If you could have a magical adventure with someone you love, what would you ride on and where would you go?
