Adrienne, I too love this book. It’s brought me comfort in losing my mom. I’m also incredibly jealous of Hallie in that she thought to make this book! I wish I had done that with my mom—not to claim the book idea, but to have my mom’s book of advice now, and also to have had the experience of making it together. It has inspired me to be creative and collaborative with people I love. I’m now intent upon making things with my dad and sisters to have those times together, and a physical take-away from it. I wish you comfort and peace in your grief.

I love this book, it’s very poignant and sweet. But a month ago I lent it to my sister, having remembered that she, too, is in the same boat as I, and she said, “Nah… I don’t think I would be reading it”. I convinced her to keep it but wouldn’t be surprised if it stayed on her bookshelf untouched. My little sister is very pragmatic, and I almost think she’s like “I don’t need a reminder that my mom died, I know that”.

Hi Jordan, would you be willing to read my children’s book, Merin And Her Very Bright Star: A Story of Resiliency? It is based on my personal story of loss and healing.

Hi Leo. I was coming here to ask about books too that try to explain suicide in straightforward and compassionate language for kids. We lost my youngest sister to suicide in May of this year – and my oldest, 10YO – spiraled in ways I never expected. Her death also came on the heels of my child having lost a young neighbourhood friend in a house fire and seeing their best friend’s dad die from MSA. We do have professional support but I anticipate the “but why did she kill herself” questions arising again as the anniversary of her death happens.