Sad About Sammy: A first response family resource for children experiencing sibling loss and grief - Paperback

by Valette J. Sopp (Author), Tonya L. Southwick (Illustrator), Scott Southwick (Photographer)

Finding words to ease children into the reality of a sibling death is an overwhelming task shouldered by grief-stricken families. Sad about Sammy is a first-response book designed to help. A read-aloud story and colorful illustrations for young children, coupled with helpful parent information to help families navigate delicate matters of sibling grief. The dual-sided approach to telling the story allows two completely different yet parallel experiences to occur side by side: parent and child. Written with the compassionate voice of a mother who suffered the devastating loss of a child, co-written with the expertise of a Child Development Specialist, Sad about Sammy gives parents gentle and direct language to say what must be said. A must-have resource for grieving families and the first responders who come into contact with them. Illustrations and language are carefully developed to apply to any family about gender, race, age, religious preference, and the child's cause of death. No other resource offers this much in one simple, beautiful package. Also available in Spanish, "Triste por Sammy"

Author Biography

TONYA SOUTHWICK Lost her second child during infancy to complications caused by congenital heart defects. This devastating loss heightened her lifelong commitment to helping children. In direct response to her own family's loss, and with hopes to help other families begin their journey toward healing, she authored and illustrated Sad About Sammy. She enjoys a full life with her husband, three surviving children, family, and friends. Currently residing in Ohio, Tonya enjoys outdoor activities, volunteering for children's charities, and exploring the arts in her free time. VALETTE SOPP Received her Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology and Child Development from The Ohio State University. She worked with the University in developing their Child Development Field Experience and has supervised students within that program. She has worked with and been a teacher of young children for seventeen years. Enjoying artistic pursuits, Valette also enjoys painting murals for homes and businesses and currently resides with her husband in Ohio. SCOTT SOUTHWICK Credited for illustration photography, photograph editing, and graphic design for Sad about Sammy. Scott is the oldest of Tonya's four children, and the son to whom Tonya and her husband Glenn delivered the sad news of his sister's death years ago.