Sophie's Squash

Reach for this book when your child forms an intense, perhaps puzzling, attachment to an inanimate object or when you need a gentle way to discuss the natural cycle of life and letting go. It is a perfect choice for navigating the bittersweet transition of losing something beloved while finding hope in what comes next. The story follows young Sophie, who chooses a squash at the farmers market not to eat, but to love. Despite her parents' gentle reminders that squash eventually rot, Sophie treats 'Bernice' as a best friend. As Bernice begins to change and soften, the book beautifully mirrors the experience of grief and the eventual peace that comes with renewal. It is a whimsical yet profound tool for children aged 3 to 7 to understand that endings are often just new beginnings in disguise.