Bye, Mis' Lela

Reach for this book when your child is processing the loss of a daycare provider, neighbor, or family friend who played a daily role in their life. While many books focus on the loss of a biological grandparent, this story honors the profound bond between a child and a community caregiver, acknowledging the disruption of routine that follows such a loss. The story follows Sugar Plum as she navigates her grief after the death of Mis' Lela, the woman who watched her while her mother worked. It gently moves from the immediate sadness of a quiet house to the realization that love continues through memory. It is a secular, realistic, and deeply comforting choice for children aged 4 to 8 who need to see their feelings of loss reflected and validated.