Daddy & Me, Side by Side

Reach for this book when your child is processing the loss of a grandparent or when you want to model how memories can be integrated into the joys of the present. While many books on grief focus on the immediate aftermath of a death, this story explores the 'long tail' of loss, showing how a father and son honor a loved one during a regular weekend camping trip. It is a beautiful choice for families seeking to normalize the fact that we can feel both happy and sad at the same time. Through hiking, fishing, and quiet moments of meditation, a father helps his son recognize that his grandfather's spirit and lessons live on in nature and within themselves. The book is perfectly pitched for children ages 4 to 8, offering a gentle, secular approach to ancestral connection. It provides a roadmap for fathers and sons to engage in emotional vulnerability, making it an essential tool for building emotional intelligence and resilience.