I'm surprised it was on many recommended reading lists for books that help children deal with death. The dragonfly remembered the promise: “The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why. Looking for a meaningful way to explain to neighbourhood children the death of a five year old friend, Doris Stickney adapted the graceful fable about the waterbug that changed into a dragonfly. There is a section at the back to guide parents/caregivers through explaining death in a more spiritual manner, if desired. It's a story book to read to them and it has a nice little questions answers section in the back to further help explain how the child might be feeling with the lose of a loved one.

Since he can't get to his friends, he realises they will just have to find out in their own time about the wonderful world above the water. Christchurch and English Bicknor Churches used the ‘ Waterbugs and Dragonflies‘ book by Doris Stickney as a basis for their All Souls’ Service on Sunday. They did notice that every once in a while one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about. While not told on a spiritual level, this story can be adapted to explain to children, whether with a religious context or not, the concept of death and moving on. With a much loved family member slowly slipping away from us, I needed help explaining death to my kids, ages 10, 7, and 4.

I liked this book for its simplicity and yet a possible explanation of what happens next without getting into heaven/religious grown-up speak. The Diocesan Growing Faith and Spirituality Officer, the Revd Jo Weatherall, produced a video showing ways to use this book to help children understand death. of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why. The main story is not exactly spiritual but is an allegory of life that is compatible with Christianity, the notes and scripture references that follow the story explain its symbolism. I got this book for Rory when her grandpa died last year and I think it helped me just as much as it helped her.

It is a small book that I have given to several friends to help them when talking to a youngster about death. I kind of like that idea but not sure if kids would get it and wonder if they might start looking elsewhere for their "missing" loved one. He is so excited flying about, and only just remembers his promise to the other waterbugs to tell them what happened. They did notice that every once in awhile one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about.This edition features full-colour paintings by Gloria Ortiz Hernandez, an artist whose work has been exhibited in Europe, South America, and the USA. Sandie Bradley said, “Many people who had lost loved ones in recent years attended this service and found the story helpful.