For a child coping with the loss of a grandparent, this tender story gently explores the enduring bond of love and memory after a loved one passes away.
A parent might reach for this book when helping a young child navigate the complex feelings that follow the death of a grandparent. This quiet, tender story follows a little girl who deeply misses the grandpa with whom she shared a special bond, especially their connection to nature and the wind. After he is gone, she feels his absence keenly, but slowly learns to find his presence and love in the world around her, feeling his spirit in the rustling leaves and the breeze. The book's gentle, poetic approach makes it highly suitable for children ages 4 to 8. Its secular focus on memory and the enduring nature of love provides a comforting and accessible way to start a conversation about grief without relying on specific religious beliefs.
The book deals directly with the death of a grandparent. The approach is secular and metaphorical. The death is stated simply ("Grandpa was gone.") without details. There is no mention of an afterlife or religious concepts. The resolution is hopeful and focuses on the continuation of love and memory as a way to cope with loss, showing that connection can endure even after death.
Ideal Reader
This is for a sensitive child, aged 4 to 7, who is experiencing the loss of a grandparent or other close loved one. It is particularly well suited for a child who finds comfort in nature and might respond better to a metaphorical, gentle exploration of grief rather than a direct, instructional one.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the page that states, "Grandpa was gone." This is the most direct statement of the death and might prompt questions. The book is abstract enough that a parent should be prepared to discuss what being "gone" means in the context of their family's beliefs. Otherwise, it can be read cold due to its gentle nature. A parent notices their child has become quiet or sad long after a loss, or the child says "I miss Grandma" unprompted. The parent is looking for a gentle, non-religious way to acknowledge the ongoing grief and reinforce the idea that love and memories remain.
Age Experience
A younger child (4-5) will connect with the sensory experiences: the feeling of the wind, the sadness of being alone, and the comfort of a memory. An older child (6-8) will better understand the metaphor of the grandpa's presence in nature and the abstract concept that love continues after someone dies.
What Makes It Special
What makes this book stand out is its poetic, nature-based metaphor for enduring connection. While many books on grief focus on memory boxes or the concept of heaven, this one grounds the experience in the physical, sensory world. The stunning, soft-hued artwork is integral to its gentle, reassuring tone, making it feel like a warm, quiet hug in book form.
Read plot summary
A young girl reminisces about her close relationship with her grandpa, with whom she shared many happy moments, especially related to the outdoors and the wind. After he passes away, she feels lonely and sad. Over time, she begins to feel his presence and their enduring connection in the natural world, particularly when the wind blows, which brings her comfort and allows her to carry his memory forward.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The little girl remembers making a boat and flying a kite with her grandpa. What is a special memory you have with a grandparent or someone you love?
2
When the girl feels the wind, she feels her grandpa is with her. Are there any special places or things, like a song or a type of flower, that remind you of someone important?
3
On the pages where the girl is remembering her grandpa alone, the colors are very soft and grey. Why do you think the artist chose those colors for those pages?
4
At the end of the story, the girl is smiling as she feels the wind. Does this mean she isn't sad anymore? Is it possible to feel happy and sad at the same time when you remember someone?
