Christine Reynebeau

This book for ages 3 and up in a predominantly rhyming format is about coping with loss. It is dedicated “To all the people whose love has taught me about loss, the people I continue to love and the future cost I will incur for having loved them.”

Lucy’s favorite toy was a stuffed giraffe named Lou. Lou fell overboard when the family was on a cruise, and Lucy was heartbroken. Her dad explained:

“Even though your giraffe is gone and we can’t bring him back, it doesn’t take away the memories and love, or change the truest fact:

Sometimes it will hurt and you’ll feel sad, when you remember what you lost,
But we have to be grateful for the times we had,
And remember that loss is love’s cost.”

He adds: “You’ll never forget him; your giraffe will never actually be gone in your heart. . . .the greatest part about love is that it never really ends.”

Time went on and Lucy got a new stuffed toy. Sometimes she had fun and then felt bad about it because Lou was gone. But as she grew, she always reminded herself: “Love never ends, and sadness form loss comes and goes.” She also told herself that if the love she had for Lou hadn’t been so strong, the sadness wouldn’t be as bad.

Illustrations by Rachael Hawkes show the full range of emotions as Lucy learns her lessons about love and loss.

Evaluation: This story addresses a topic all children need to face eventually, whether through the loss of a beloved toy or the loss of a family member, pet, relative, or friend. The message that the loved one will always remain in their lives through memories is an excellent one, and will give something reassuring for kids to think about who are enduring this traumatic situation.… (plus d'informations)