I am going to say that Why? A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide is a terribly sad, but honest, and well-done book. Due in mid-November 2023 anyone who has lost a person to death by suicide should read this. Granted, it might be a bit “touchy feely” but then again it is for kids and not adults. The voice is that of the child and again, honest. They talk about why daddy was sick, that you cannot catch depression (point one for them) and that daddy is still your daddy, he always will be (point two). Point three is dad died by suicide, he did not commit it (this is something many who have lost a love one advocate for as they feel their loved one did not commit a crime as the word commit has the connotation of). Point four it was not mommy’s or Oliver’s (the child) fault that dad died.
There is an authors afterwards (Melissa Allen Heath) and the illustrations by Frances Ives have a “watery” look to them (then again, maybe that’s because I was crying). They are realistic but not solid. The details of the background are just that, the background, but it is also important. This book is raw and emotional, but also lovely. It actually could work for other family members as the focus is depression as the reason for the death.
And now I need happy kittens and puppies and birdies and farting unicorns. I need bunnies and happy happy things. I want chocolate and hugs and baby giggles. I want to see my nephews’ smiling faces, my smarty-pants sister snarking back at me. Have the biggest box of tissues at hand, and know at the very least this is going to be a thought provoking book.
