A Unique Resource for Bereavement and Children
Follow two insects, Lea and Nym, and the struggles Nym endures when her friend disappears. Help children identify the beauty and hope in all cycles of life.
The Dragonfly Door is a tender story about loss and change, written to help parents and adults express their views about life and death. The story also shows children that it is normal to miss someone.
For Teachers or Counselors:
- Adults who work with children find this book helpful because it encourages children to talk about loss and change.
- Children may identify with Nym, who grieves the loss of her friend, and find it easier to express their feelings about a loss after hearing the story.
- Some teachers follow-up with a discussion either one-on-one, in-class, or through a writing assignment.
- For those interested in nature, this book includes the real life cycle of the dragonfly at the end.
For Parents:
- Through a vision or dream, Nym learns that Lea has transformed into a beautiful dragonfly above the marsh.
- Someday, Nym will see her friend again in this new world.
- Parents and grandparents often interpret this as a metaphor for heaven or as an analogy to life after death.
- In this way, the core message of the story becomes one of hope for those who grieve the loss of someone.
The Dragonfly Door may serve many purposes, such as comforting a grieving child or providing facts about dragonflies. Beautifully illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson, the book is cherished by parents, grandparents and teachers.
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Review:
"The warm, emotional colors ... illustrate this highly recommended picturebook for sharing the bittersweet realities of life with young people."
-- The Midwest Book Review
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Excerpt:
While Nym slept, she heard Lea's voice saying, "Follow me, Nym. I'm going to show you where I am." "Will I see you again?" Nym asked. "Only when it's time for you to die too," Lea replied. "You won't see me in the marsh ever again. But let me show you what I will look like the next time you see me. Here, close your eyes." Nym closed her eyes. "Now look at me," Lea said. Nym opened her eyes and saw ...
written by John Adams / illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson
ISBN-13: 978-1-934066-12-6
ISBN-10: 1-934066-12-5
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Summary of The Dragonfly Door ...
A dragonfly story about loss and change to help explain a loss to a child.
A beautifully illustrated book to capture a child's imagination.
A bereavement tool to show children how someone grieving might feel.
A memorial gift in memory of someone special.
A parenting tool to help parents express their views about life and death.
A teacher's story for children to help lead discussions on loss.
A story for sunday school teachers to help lead discussions on life and death.
A bereavement tool for counselors to assist in their work with children.
A metaphor for heaven to help parents and grandparents talk about life after death.
A fictional nature story to show the natural cycles of life.
A transformation story that parallels the butterfly's metamorphosis and change. 