Author: S.J. Knight. Sketches by Deborah Pidgeon. 28 pages soft cover. Published by the author in 2020.
How do we help a very small child understand the death of a much loved grandparent, family friend, or older relative? This picture book was written at the request of a sister whose little grandchild was too young to grasp biblical concepts that can help and comfort older children.
This is a read-aloud story for parents to share with their little ones. It presents the cycle of life in an unsentimental, yet positive way, without either minimising or over-dramatising. The promise of life eternal is depicted in the simplest of terms.
“It’s Just What Happens” acknowledges a child’s sadness, while encouraging acceptance, hope and resilience, and perhaps further conversation as time goes by.
The book is small, and easy for little hands to hold, and the story is enhanced with appealing, naïve sketches. It is also available in a black and white version so a child may colour in the pictures, and thus engage with the story in a physical way.
Reviews of the book
The first two reviews of the book are from a married couple who are themselves grandparents.
Sis. P. Halstead:
This is a book about loss. I found “It’s Just What Happens” actually rather moving. Children who may not have lost an elderly relative have often lost a pet who is part of their family, and find that very difficult to deal with.
There is plenty of scope in this book for an adult to discuss the issues with a child, but an early reader who was not at present facing those issues could also cope with it.
Many families will find this a useful way to approach the issue. “Well done.”
Bro. T. Halstead:
I have just read “It’s Just What Happens” and was very impressed with the way the author covered the subject. In fact, I found myself feeling very emotional as I associated the script with my own life and my relationship with my grandchildren.
I also thought that the pictures were good and complementary to the text.
The subject is very often kept away from children, so this fills and important space in their education and is sure to provoke positive discussion. S. J. Knight is to be complimented for this book so sensitively written.
Review by sis. I Smith
I have just sat and absorbed this deceptively simple book, "It's Just What Happens".
So many impressions crowded in. The good connection to how children think, the gentle build up to events that show that death of living things is inevitable, but done is such a way that it is tangible for a young child to grasp!
I like the way the author has gently led the child to the fading, dying, and hope of new life by the simple fact that it is just a cycle of life, and that there is also a God who is so powerful up beyond the blue sky Who has the control over life after death.
The illustrations are a delight. Yes, they are ‘naïve’, but they do capture what this is about, companionship, trust, love, and hope.