Harry's Mom

A parent would reach for this book when their child is trying to understand the loss of a parent they never knew, or knew only briefly. It is a gentle and reassuring story for a child building an identity around a family member who is gone. The book follows a young boy named Harry, whose mother died when he was an infant. He asks his father, aunt, and grandparents about her, and through their loving anecdotes, he pieces together a picture of a strong, funny, and wonderful woman. The focus is not on sadness, but on the power of family stories to keep a person's spirit alive. Appropriate for ages six to nine, this quiet chapter book normalizes the process of asking questions and keeping memories. It is an excellent choice for parents because it models a healthy, positive way to talk about a deceased loved one, emphasizing that love and connection persist through the stories we share. It provides comfort without being maudlin, showing how a child can feel close to someone they've never met.