Description
A gentle, beautifully illustrated story that helps children understand death, loss, and the idea of life after.
Inspired by the well-known 'Waterbugs and Dragonflies' fable, this comforting book offers a simple, hopeful way to explain bereavement to children of all ages.
A note on the story: the book is framed around the loss of a sibling, reflecting the author's own experience — but the fable at its heart speaks to any loss a child may be facing, including the death of a parent, grandparent, friend or pet. Families use it for grief of all kinds.
A supportive resource for families and professionals
The Dragonfly Story is widely used by: Parents, grandparents and families Schools and pastoral care teams Hospitals, NICUs, and paediatric wards Hospices and bereavement services Counsellors, therapists, and family support workers Faith groups and community organisations
Its gentle language and soft illustrations make it suitable for children aged 3–18, and helpful for adults who need a sensitive way to begin difficult conversations.
What this book helps children understand Why someone they love can no longer come back How death can be explained without fear That love continues even when someone has died That feelings of sadness, confusion, or worry are normal That talking about grief is safe and allowed
The story offers reassurance, hope, and emotional grounding at a time when children need it most.
Inside the book 16 pages of calming, child-friendly illustrations Clear, gentle wording suitable for reading aloud A simple metaphor children can easily remember Ideal for bedtime reading, classroom use, or therapeutic sessions
Trusted by bereavement professionals
"We use this story with families in our NICU. It helps parents and siblings understand what has happened in a way that feels safe."
– Senior NICU Nurse
Bulk orders available
Schools, hospitals, hospices, and counselling services can order multiple copies easily through Amazon.
For larger quantities, please contact the author directly.
(Keywords included naturally: child grief book, explaining death to children, bereavement support, child loss, sibling loss, trauma support for kids, pastoral care resources, hospice children's book)
ASIN: 1723880191
VSKU: BVV.1723880191.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Owen, Kelly|Braid, Helen
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item is very worn but is perfectly usable. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, worn and creased covers, folded page corners and minor liquid stains. All pages and the cover are intact, but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include moderate to heavy amount of notes and highlighting, but the text is not obscured or unreadable. Page edges may have foxing age related spots and browning . May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
ASIN: 1723880191
VSKU: BVV.1723880191.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Owen, Kelly|Braid, Helen
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item is very worn but is perfectly usable. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, worn and creased covers, folded page corners and minor liquid stains. All pages and the cover are intact, but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include moderate to heavy amount of notes and highlighting, but the text is not obscured or unreadable. Page edges may have foxing age related spots and browning . May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.