Listen to My Book, Start to Finish

My debut picture book releases TOMORROW, and I’m thrilled to share with you this book video produced by my publisher, SoundsTrue. You can see the entire story unfold, start to finish, as read by a 7-year-old narrator named Eben.

SoundsTrue and I both posted the video on our respective Facebook pages, and it has been shared hundreds of times and viewed thousands of times, thanks in good measure to my friend Cathy Zielske sharing the video on her blog. Here are some of the most meaningful comments received so far:

“I just listened to this and I have to say ‘Thank You!’ I just lost my brother on July 1st. even though I am a grown adult, I’m feeling that ‘Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon’ on my chest right now. Thank you for giving this 53-year-old woman hope for less grief one day! This was absolutely something I needed to see tonight.” —Dawn L.

“I lost my Dad at age 7 and it is a true description of grief in a child or anyone. Thank you. I plan on keeping it at school with me and using it as needed with my elementary students.” —K.K.

“As a Grief Recovery Specialist certified by the Grief Recovery Method Institute, I teach classes for adults on Helping Children with Loss. Adults learn helpful ways to listen to the child as well as what not to say in those tender discussions. This book could be a helpful conversation starter with the child … and a strong way of supporting both the grieving child as well as the child’s little friends who also struggle to understand their broken heart.” —Lois

“So perfect a way to describe grief. We lost our mom when we were kids. It was a long time ago. But that big dumb dragon is always there.” —Amy D.

“Touching, and so gently covers the grieving process. We lost our beloved daughter almost four years ago, so I know what it’s like to want everything to ‘go back to the way it was.’ The story and the illustrations are beautiful.” —Jacquelyn H.

“As a palliative care nurse, I cannot stress how important this book is. I cannot wait to read it and share it with the many children and their families that I care for.” —Erica J.

I don’t know about you, but my heart is all in a puddle over here.