Feb
25
Written by:
host
2/25/2009 7:00 AM
An approach that I have found useful when faced with a challenging subject is to read a children’s book – regardless of whether I am talking to children, youth or adults. I once heard it said and I believe it to be true that a good children’s book is written for all ages. A book can be a wonderful way to open a conversation, particularly when people might initially be at a loss for words.
Grief and loss, though a part of life, are difficult topics to discuss. A wonderful book that speaks to persons of all ages is Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen. Expressive illustrations by Taylor Bills accompany the story of Grandy, “an old and somewhat wise woman” who is making tear soup after experiencing a big loss in her life. The loss that Grandy has experienced is never named, making the book applicable to a multitude of situations, from minor annoyances to tragedies that feel as if they are more than one can bear.
While following Grandy through the process of making tear soup the book affirms that grief is a process and healing takes time. Grandy’s husband is also making tear soup, which introduces the idea that each person experiences grief differently. Sprinkled through Grandy’s story are descriptions of feelings that persons might experience while grieving and suggestions for coping. Information about specific grieving situations and additional resources are listed in the back of the book.
Here is a children’s book that offers something for everyone. Children will enjoy the engaging story, the colorful pictures and Grandy’s dog. Youth and adults will be able to appreciate the nuances of the soup-making metaphor. For all ages, Tear Soup will introduce the topic of grief and serve as a starting point for further discussion.
~Sally Hoelscher
1 comment(s) so far...
Re: Soup for All Ages
Tear Soup is an EXCELLENT book. This book should be on every pastor's book shelf, every church library book shelf, every counselor's book shelf and every parent's book shelf. Is it on yours?
By magran on
2/25/2009 10:56 AM
|