I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand: A Child's Guide to Grief and Loss

by Ed.D. Pat Palmer, Dianne O'Quinn Burke

A best friend has moved away…Dad no longer lives with the family… A favorite relative or pet has died. This warm and comforting book gently helps the grieving child identify his or her feelings—from denial and anger to guilt and sadness—and learn to accept and deal with them. Expressive illustrations help children discover that it is natural to feel the pain of loss, and that they can help themselves feel better by seeking the comfort they need in healthy ways.

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

Reviews

[Abby Peskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book. This book says all the appropriate things about bereavement, especially mentioning all of the emotions that are appropriate to feel when you're grieving something. It even includes that it is okay to feel happy, which I think many people even forget to tell children. It gives children things to say when they miss someone, and also encourages them to take care of themselves and use coping strategies - to not pretend that nothing happened or try to push the feelings away. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know who has experienced a loss and has young children who need help understanding it.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that this book shows a variety of emotions that a child can experience when feeling loss. I also like that the book identifies several situations in which grief is felt. I hope this book will be helpful for us when Nakyla has these feelings.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for a variety of losses a child could go through such as death, divorce, moving away, parent in the military, etc.