Little Michael's Big Grief - Portia C. C. Effinger - Bog

Little Michael's Big Grief is a book that discusses some of the overlooked internal struggles of children who grieve. Written based on a true story, this book tells the emotional battles that came with a young boy experiencing the unexpected death of his best friend and father. He couldn't quite understand all of the comforting words of his family as he learned all about the feelings that came with this new word, Grief. Little Michael's Big Grief is a child's guide to validation of the complicated thoughts and feelings that tend accompany loss and mourning. The perspective of many suggest grief is too big of a conversation for small children. This book is helps young children normalize conversations surrounding death and loss, specifically the death of a parent. Little Michael's Big Grief is an easily read book that highlights the thoughts of loss from the prospective of a young child. Some of the identified stages of grief such as anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance are all explored within his small yet mighty journey. This book was written as a tribute to the author's younger brother, as she and her mother both once struggled with grief centered conversations and cultural barriers. Little Michael's Big Grief is a conversation starter with relatable quotation, valuable insight, and age-appropriate language to be used in any home or therapeutic safe space. This book emphasizes the importance of truth and transparency with children in grief, because children grieve too. Grief is hard, even for our little ones. Join little Michael as he explores his big feelings surrounding the loss of his dad. It is our responsibility to fill their inquisitive minds with honesty and truth while providing safe spaces for them to feel. This book was inspired to normalize grief-centered conversations between children and families around the globe.