Always and Forever

This book is amazingly crafted for a few reasons 1) The characters aren't defined as mother, father, child, friend, etc. Children are able to project their situation and relationships onto the characters since such distinctions are not presented. My 4 year old son assumed that Fox (the character that died) was the father, but very easily could be brother, friend, cousin or grandfather. The pictures are wonderful and capture a sense of whimsy while helping children through a rough time. Being trained in Family Services and Pastoral Care and Counseling I was VERY impressed that this book showed healthy grieving. It doesn't stop with the death or the family crying- it continues to legacy building. This book shows that it is normal, healthy and good to enjoy life after a loved one passes, not in some way that belittles the pain of loss, but that affirms the goodness of life even with the pain of losing someone close.

I've purchased several copies of this wonderful book over the past three years. I bought my first copy at a school book fair just days after a close friend died. It was a comfort to me to have the idea from the book to make my "special garden" to honor her memory. As a grandmother, I have shared this book with my two granddaughters(Ages 10 and 5). They both asked for a copy for their birthday this year. As a retired teacher, I have placed memorial copies of the book in two local elementary school libraries. I have given copies of this special book to families with younger children that have experienced death. My wish is that the book will be a tool to use during their grief process. I feel this book, that is written for children using animal characters, has much to offer people of all ages. The illustrations carry the story line along in marvelous style.It was great to read the reviews of this book and to know that others seem to value it's worth. Be sure to add this book to your collection.

When my daughter was in 1st grade she lost her classmate and friend to a brain tumor. I searched and searched and searched for a book to help her cope with that lost. This is the ONLY book I found that explained that lost in a gentle, non denominational manner. I found this book at my library and new I had to buy it for her. I have since bought several to have on hand in order to share with others. This is such a beautiful story that explains in such a beautiful way that its ok to mourn a loved ones absence, but we can keep their spirit alive by doing something they used to love doing. In this cute story the forest friends decide each year on Foxes birthday they are going to have a picnic under his favorite tree eating his favorite foods. Highly recommend this read.

I have given this book to many friends,relatives over the years. It explains the process of losing someone you love in a way that is somehow comforting. It walks the characters through the grieving process in a way that is very easy for kids to identify with and, hopefully, model. The ending is wonderful and, not to give it way, but we have created the garden as well for our beloved pets that have passed. A sweet and wonderful book.............

Fast shipping great item

In anticipation of a grandparent death (which still hasn't happened), I bought this to read with my 3-year-old. He LOVES it, and so do I. As a humanist/atheist, I wanted to avoid any books about death that talk about heaven or god or angels or anything else make-believe. This one is very sweet and just talks about the love that Fox's family continue to have for him and the ways in which they remember him, keeping him in their hearts forever. It also shows how they are sad and struggle through their mourning, which I think is important and real. I got very teary the first time I read it with my son, but he didn't. He was very interested, though, and he asks to read it often. Beautifully illustrated, too.

This book is a sympathy card for all ages. It poignantly tells a beautiful story to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.

As a mom, and as a therapist, I love this book. I like that the focus is on the importance of sharing positive memories, and on finding ways to honor a loved one who has passed. I came across this after the death of my grandmother, when my girls were 3 and 2. Now, 12 years later, after several more losses, my girls continue to talk about their love for this book. I like that this story line is simple, and keeps the focus on the real impact of losing a loved one.

This is such a lovely and sweet book with a very important and loving message that will resonate with both young and old.Beautifully illustrated and completely engaging from the very young to " golden oldies" like myself.

Love for a Child

Es un gran libro, me gusta tanto que lo tengo en varios idiomas. La mejor adaptación es la que está en francés, muy recomendable

Very helpful thank you

I agree with all of the previous reviewers. I had difficulty finding a book to explain to my 3 year old the death of her beloved aunt, who sadly died young of cancer. This book was the most helpful one that I have found. I told my child that the Fox is her aunt, and it has really helped to understand that, sadly, her auntie is not coming back.