About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with the unexpected departure of a beloved teacher or another important adult figure. The story follows third-grader John, who compares the shocking news of his teacher's impending move to the earthquake he accidentally causes in his ant farm. This gentle chapter book validates the powerful feelings of sadness, anxiety, and instability that can accompany change. It's an excellent choice for normalizing a child's grief over a non-family loss and opening conversations about resilience and adapting to new situations.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The central theme is anticipatory grief over the departure of a significant attachment figure (a teacher). The topic is handled through a direct, child-level emotional lens and is powerfully supported by the ant farm metaphor. The approach is secular and realistic. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing healthy coping mechanisms like creating memory books and expressing feelings, rather than preventing the inevitable change.
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