What Cloud Is My Grandma In?

Book excerpt: Experiencing the loss of a family member, whether sudden or expected, is challenging at any age. For children, this time can be scary, overwhelming and lonely, as they may not know other children who have experienced a similar loss. A little turtle loves doing fun things with Grandma, that include feeding the ducks at the pond. The turtle’s world is turned upside down when Mom and Dad say she has gone to heaven to live with God. The turtle must somehow learn to live without her. The little turtle misses Grandma so much. While the turtle wonders if she is living in a cloud, others help guide the turtle through feelings experienced during the first year following her death. The little turtle learns that it is okay to cry, laugh, be sad and be happy, and to forever love Grandma. In this beautifully illustrated and touching tale, a young turtle learns how to deal with loss and grief after Grandma suddenly dies, leaving the turtle believing she is watching from her heavenly cloud. This book provides numerous recommendations for adults supporting the grieving child. These include suggestions for honoring memories, creating tangible remembrances, and working through shared grief in a gentle and supportive way.