Synopsis: A sensitive, beautifully illustrated story about loss and the processes of grief to support young children.
The waterholes of the African Savannah have dried up and there has not been enough to drink for some of the animals. Ekundayo, a young elephant, struggles to understand the loss of his mother, but the support of his family help and guide him through.
Carefully researched about the stages of grief for young children, Sarah J Dodd sensitively portrays this in the response and actions of Ekundayo to help children express and share how they are feeling with those around them. Ekundayo’s aunt and father provide words of understanding, reassurance and comfort, and the message that the love of Ekundayo’s mother shines on, telling of a greater Love that may not see but never goes away and is everywhere.
At the end, Debbie Duncan also provides helpful advice for parents and carers as consider how to talk about death and dying with young children.
Release Date: 23rd July 2021
Genres: Picture Books, Family, Grief, Animals
Pages: 32
Thank you to Lion Hudson ltd and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review
Review: This was so sad and so sweet and so gently made. Ekundayo’s water hole has dried up, so he and his momma go a bit further out, they find only one small one. That night she goes past the sun but Ekundayo doesn’t understand where she’s gone.
I really liked how this was handled, it was so delicate and subtle but also explained in the right way, it showed that family are still right there to help you get through it and that things will over time be better.
The illustrations were beautiful and I adored looking at them. This is a perfect book on grief and loss. It’s a good book for young children experiencing it, it handles the situation really nicely and explains it easily in a way even the youngest kids will understand.
This was really such a sad story though poor Ekundayo he was so adorable and loved his momma so much.
apapergirlapapertown 