A delightful children’s grief book by Penny Wigglesworth
Illustrated by Michiko Eager
$7.95 • Paperback • 84 pages • ISBN: 0967553253
For bulk-rate discounts or to bring Penny to your organization as a guest speaker, call 1-877-513-0099 or email Books@QoLpublishing.com
Hospice Grief Camp Helps Johnathan!
Who’s Penny Bear? He’s the magical little bear who helps his young friend Johnathan through the boy’s year of “firsts” after the death of his mother. The story is told by the little bear, known as “Penny Bear.” While written for children, the book offers readers of all ages the reassurance of knowing that the love and memories we have shared with special people in our lives remain with us forever.
Penny Bear’s Gift of Love is an uplifting chapter book that validates that grief is a process, not an event, and that children grieve in their own ways and according to their own timetable. It is written “from the heart” by longtime hospice volunteer Penny Wigglesworth and beautifully illustrated throughout with charming full-color drawings by Michiko Eager.
The book is certain to become a cherished resource for hospices and other organizations dedicated to helping bereaved children.
“…an amazing journey through the seasons of life, love, and loss.”
“This magical book is an amazing journey through the seasons of life, love, and loss, as seen through the eyes of a bear and a boy. Children of all ages will find reassurance that the love and memories we shared with special people can continue forever.” —Dianne Durante, Ed.S., family therapist and author of Everyday Symbols for Joyful Living
“…simple and straightforward.”
“I love the fact that Penny Bear’s Gift of Love is simple and straightforward. It’s not condescending. It gives children a chance to relate the death experience to something outside themselves as they talk about how Johnathan or the bear is feeling.” —Paul Crosby, M.S.W., Executive Director, Marblehead Counseling Center, Marblehead, MA
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Penny Wigglesworth is the founder of The Penny Bear Company , a non-profit, all-volunteer organization based in Marblehead, MA, which provides outreach to those served by hospices and others in need of a hug.
Excerpts from Chapter One of Penny Bear’s Gift of Love:
Hello! I’m Penny Bear. To many people, I’m just an ordinary teddy bear, cute and cuddly. But to you and Johnathan Clarke, I’m magical. Johnathan is a wonderful young boy who’s very sad because his mom died. I came into Johnathan’s life just when he needed me most. Here’s my story of our very special friendship.
As I peeked over the staircase railing into the living room, I could see Johnathan and his dad still hugging each other goodnight. They just didn’t want to let one another go. Johnathan’s dad put on a brave smile, and Johnathan tried to do the same. It had been the hardest day of their lives.
A lot of people had come to his mom’s funeral. Many had kissed and hugged him, even people he didn’t know. Some of the women wore so much perfume that it gave him a headache. He was relieved the day was over and glad everyone had finally gone home. My bear heart felt sad as I watched him head for bed, dragging his feet along. It looked as if he were climbing a mountain instead of just the living room stairs.
Johnathan was one tired, unhappy little boy who didn’t even see me waiting for him when he flopped on top of his bed — clothes and all. Then his hand brushed the top of my head. “What’s this?” he said, sitting up and holding me in his lap. He found the tag on my arm and started to read it out loud. Johnathan stopped reading and gave me a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here, little Penny Bear,” he said. “I sure do need lots of hugs.” His eyes filled with tears as he added, “But mostly I just want my mom back!” I did everything in my bear power not to talk out loud just then. I’m supposed to go slowly and not show off my magical talents until the time is right.
Learn more at the Penny Bear website
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