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A gentle, trusted picture book for helping children (ages 4–7) understand death, grief, and hope―recommended by parents, teachers, and child therapists worldwide.
When someone close to a child dies, finding the right words can feel impossible. I Miss You: A First Look at Death offers clear, age-appropriate language and warm, inclusive illustrations to guide families through conversations about loss and healing. Written by child psychotherapist Pat Thomas, this standout title provides honest answers to children’s toughest questions―never frightening, always supportive.
What Makes This Book Unique:
Promotes meaningful discussion with “Talk About It” prompts and child-friendly reflection questionsHonors different cultural and religious perspectives so every family feels respectedFeatures a special section of practical advice and conversation starters for adults
The A First Look At series helps young children understand and navigate sensitive social, emotional, and health topics with honesty and reassurance. Each book uses simple, direct language and engaging illustrations to open conversations between children and caring adults; encouraging questions and building emotional resilience in a safe, supportive way.
From the Publisher
About the Author
Pat Thomas is an author, journalist, and campaigner specializing in the field of environment and health. She qualified as a transpersonal psychotherapist in 1991 at the Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling Education in London. She currently lives in London, England.
I MISS YOU
A First Look at Death
Books in the “First Look At…series promote interaction among children, parents, and teachers on social, health, and emotional issues.
This reassuring picture book explores the difficult issue of death for young children. Children’s feelings and questions about this sensitive subject are looked at in a simple but realistic way. This book helps them to understand their loss and to come to terms with their feelings.
From the book:
Every day someone is born…and every day someone dies. Death is a natural part of life. All living things grow, change, and eventually die. When someone you love dies it can feel as if your heart has been torn in two. It can feel as if a part of you is missing. As time goes on you will realize that no one is completely gone as long as you can remember the one you love.
How To Use This Book
Helping Children
Children need to feel that they participated in the grieving that goes on after the death of someone close. If possible, try to encourage the child to make something for the person who has passed away that might be included in the burial ceremony. Or, if old enough, let them read a poem at the funeral.
Feelings
When a family member dies, it can be very difficult for all members of the family to express their feelings. Sometimes parents get so caught up in their own grief that they forget that their children are grieving too. Try to remember that you are all in this together and that you need each other’s support. Death, especially if it is untimely, is difficult for adults to make sense of. It is even harder for children, who have much less experience in the world.
Showing Grief
If the child is your own or close to you, then let them see you grieving. This is how they learn about handling grief. If they see you hiding grief away, that is what they will do. If they see you allowing grief to be a part of your life, then they too will be able to allow themselves to grieve.
Allow Them to Be Sad
Let children mourn in your presence without the need for it to make sense. And allow them to be sad without giving in to your natural inclination to make everything better.
Publisher : Sourcebooks Explore
Publication date : January 1, 2001
Edition : 1st
Language : English
Print length : 28 pages
ISBN-10 : 0764117645
ISBN-13 : 978-0764117640
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Reading age : 3 – 7 years, from customers
Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.07 x 7.42 inches
Grade level : Preschool – 2
Best Sellers Rank: #29,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #22 in Children’s Books on Death & Dying #374 in Children’s Books on Emotions & Feelings (Books) #963 in Children’s Friendship Books
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