Published Books
What does grief feel like?
A psychotherapeutic book to help young children understand grief
Click here to learn more about What Does Grief Feel Like.
Reviews
“The ways in which children grieve are often mysterious, both to themselves and to the adults around them. This book is an incredibly valuable resource that helps kids understand the grief process and at the same time provides practical information for the adults who are supporting them on their journey of loss.”
— Claire Bidwell Smith, Author of Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief
“This gem should be in every school. This little book should be in just about every home and workplace, too. It’s high time that we brought this necessary and fundamental human experience out of the shadows. Thank you, Dr. Leigh, for doing exactly that and just in time.”
—Dr. BJ Miller, Author of A Beginners Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death
“A beautiful and tender book for children that will expand the emotional capacity and depth of understanding for them and the adults who love them.”
— Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, Author of Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief
“What Does Grief Feel Like? is a gift to grieving families. Through storytelling, this comprehensive resource empathetically guides young readers through the complex emotions of grief while simultaneously educating the adult reading alongside them. This sensitive book validates the overwhelming emotions felt when someone we love dies. Every person needs this book as death will affect us all at some point in our one precious.”
—Amie Lands, Author of Perfectly Imperfect and Navigating the Unknown
““What Does Grief Feel Like? is a beautifully illustrated interactive book for children grieving significant losses. Rather than instruct them how to feel it allows them to explore their own feelings and experiences with gentle guidance and understanding.”
— Donna L. Schuurman, Ed.D., FT, senior director of advocacy & education, executive director emeritus, Dougy Center, Author Never the Same: Coming to terms with the Death of a Parent
“What does grief feel like, addresses the experience of loss and sorrow for young children, Dr. Leigh has created a powerful tool for both clinicians and families. The text is written in clear, age-appropriate language to help children understand and manage the complex feelings that grief evokes. Additionally, the resource list is invaluable. I am confident that Dr. Leigh’s book will become an indispensable resource, and an important contribution to the body of literature addressing children’s grieving.”
—Dr. Kathy Hull, Clinical Psychologist, Founder, George Mark Children’s House
“What Does Grief Feel Like? is a beautifully illustrated and thoughtful book that allows children to explore the many feelings of grief they may be experiencing after the loss of a loved one. Children who have experienced the death of someone in their life, will see themselves in the pages of this book. As a child explores the book’s gentle questions and empathetic text, they will come to see that the emotions surrounding grief take many forms and all of them are perfectly normal. It is a book that a child can return to many times, for reassurance, contemplation and recognition of the grief they are feeling.
Dr. Leigh’s book also includes A Guide for Caring Adults. An essential guide for any adult who is helping a child navigate the loss of a loved one. Highly accessible for both parents, caregivers and professionals, Dr. Leigh’s calm, reassuring and respectful voice shines through. It's as if she is speaking just to the reader, offering practical and non-judgemental advice. It serves as a guide for adults doing the hardest work; helping a child deal with death and the wake of grief that follows. This book is a must for any professional working with children in a therapeutic setting, essential for families facing loss and for any child who is grieving.”
— Jeanette Molineaux, MA, CCLS, Early Childhood Special Education Expert & Dyslexia Coach