Departure Time

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the profound silence of a loss or the painful uncertainty of a loved one's absence. It is designed for middle grade readers who are beginning to process complex grief, offering a metaphorical space to explore the feeling of being stuck in time while the world continues to move forward. The story follows a young girl named Mats, who finds herself in a surreal hotel where the clocks behave strangely and the guests are all waiting for something. Through its dreamlike narrative, the book explores themes of patience, memory, and the eventual necessity of moving on. It is a gentle yet deeply evocative choice for parents who want to normalize the 'waiting room' phase of mourning and provide a safe, imaginative outlet for a child's sadness and love.