Loon Summer

by Barbara Santucci

For the child navigating the first summer of a split family, using the soothing rhythms of nature to process the big changes that come with divorce.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your child is facing their first major holiday or seasonal transition following a divorce, especially if they are struggling with the feeling that things will never be the same. Loon Summer follows young Rainie as she returns to her family's lakeside cabin for the first time since her parents separated. While the cabin feels different with only her father there, the steady presence of the loons and the changing seasons help her process her grief and anxiety. This gentle story is ideal for children ages 5 to 8 who are navigating the complex emotions of a split family. It offers a reassuring message that while family structures might change, the love of both parents remains a constant, much like the rhythms of the natural world.

Parents Divorcing Nature & Outdoors Love & Family Birds Letting Go Saying Goodbye Family & Siblings Sadness & Grief

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Depicts the sadness and longing associated with a recent parental divorce.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals directly with divorce and the sadness of a child missing a non-custodial parent. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the emotional landscape of the child rather than the legalities of the separation. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: it doesn't promise the parents will get back together, but it ensures the child that she is safe and loved.