Embraced by the Light

Amazon.com

Embraced by the Light is an inspirational map of the afterlife framed in the moment of Eadie's death, and presents a possible answer to the big question, "Why are we here?" An easy read, its subtitle could have been "The Average Person's Guide to Near-Death Experiences." Although heavily filtered through Eadie's Christian worldview, her vision of the afterlife does not include a wrathful deity, but a figure of love and compassion. Some readers may find Eadie's repeated Christian references bothersome, and Embraced by the Light will undoubtedly raise a lot of questions along the lines of "What about reincarnation?" and "What happens to people who are not Christians?" --Brian Patterson

Book Description

On the night of November 19, 1973, following surgery, thirty-one-year-old wife and mother Betty J. Eadie died.... This is her extraordinary story of the events that followed, her astonishing proof of life after physical death. She saw more, perhaps than any other person has seen before and shares her almost photographic recollections of the remarkable details. Compelling, inspiring, and infinitely reassuring, her vivid account gives us a glimpse of the peace and unconditional love that awaits us all. More important, Betty's journey offers a simple message that can transform our lives today, showing us our purpose and guiding us to live the way we were meant to -- joyously, abundantly, and with love.

Customer Reviews:

embraced by the light.......2007-09-01

A gread book for someone grieving the loss of a loved one. Good primer for the study of the spirit world. Believable, not sensational.

feel good book.......2007-08-23

This book leaves you warm and fuzzy. It is an easy read that you will not want to put down. If you believe in God, you don't want to miss reading this book. The details and enlightenment are fantastic.

Best Book I've Ever Read!!.......2007-07-24

I re-read this book after 8 - 10 years. It was wonderful then, and even better this time. I believe that God gives us information, but only when we are ready. Like Algebra: You have to learn one concept before moving on to the next. God gives us information as we are ready. With all of the similarities between all of the near death experiences that have been documented, I find in impossible not to believe Ms. Eadie. There were a few ideas that were so new to my way of thinking that I found myself doubting. But, God gave Ms. Eadie a very extensive look at life after death. It took her many years and encouragement from others to write this book, so there is bound to be some loss of memory. So, I am willing to cut her some slack on this. This book renewed my hope and reminded me of what is most important in life. A great, quick read that will really stick with you!!

Lovely - but LOADS of Contradictions and Untruths.......2007-07-21

I just finished this lovely loving book today and I love Betty. This book oozes love.

But there are moments of non love which are also non truths.

Repetitious prayer with sincerity and love is certainly heard by God - that sounded more like a Protestant gripe than the truth.

Then there is the appearance of... the Law of Attraction, again. You attract what you think. If the Law of Attraction were true it would have been talked about by Jesus and would have shown up in the thousands of revelations that came before Eadie - but it was never mentioned until the 20th century.

She got the love part right... we're supposed to love each other but telling people that they attracted their illness, the rape or theft perpetrated against them, tell them they attracted their depression... is not loving.

Suicidal thoughts are usually caused by physical conditions such as a failing thyroid gland (see Dr. Thierry Hertoghe, psychiatrist) so how sinful could they actually be? WE need to love those people more, not hurt them by telling them that on top of their severe illness they are pushing God away.

Nevertheless, I imagine that despite the years wearing on the memory, a lot of it is true. But not all of it. There were plenty of contradictions within the book itself.

A book about an enlightening Near-Death experience.......2007-07-13

I liked this book! It's well-written and easy to read. The author writes about her enlightening Near-Death experience, which I think suits the gnostic ways of thinking. The veil of forgetfullness, Jesus' light as knowledge, power of thinking, spirit to communicate with God, only love matters eventually etc... The Earth is seen as a place of spiritual education. -Though, I don't really appreciate the attitudes towards adapting to earthly churches and defective governing myself.

Average customer rating:

Tear Soup helps teach kids that it is OK to grieve
Excellent
Very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief.
A comfort book & for dealing with loss
A Grieving Mother

Tear Soup
Pat Schweibert , Chuck DeKlyen , Pat Schwiebert , Chuck DeKlyen , Taylor Bills , and Pat Schwiebert
Manufacturer: Grief Watch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0961519762

Customer Reviews:

Tear Soup helps teach kids that it is OK to grieve.......2007-10-06

Tear Soup has been a great instrument in helping our family deal with the death of my sister. It reaches to all levels from the kids to the parents. Some parts might be a little over the heads of younger children, but in all it has helped each one of us in the grieving process. The author even touches on the differences in how each of us grieves. I have recently sent a copy to my nephews after their father passed away suddenly. I feel it is one of the best books on grief that I have seen.

Excellent.......2007-10-03

At 1st I decided not to leave a review b/c already there are so many, but PRAISE is always due for this book. I will quote an earlier reviewer that so far, this bk is "...the best, truest book on grief I have ever read..."
I also highly recommend it for times of sudden & tragic losses. It was here on Amazon(over a yr ago) that I 1st learned of the bk, yet since then I read & given it as a gift and have seen this book referred to others by "word of mouth" many times over. I hope this bk provides the support & guidance you all are seeking. Peace & Strength.

Very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief........2007-10-03

This book was very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief over the loss of his grandpa. There were a few parts that I thought were a little too mature for him (he's 9 years old), but for the most part it was a great book.

A comfort book & for dealing with loss.......2007-09-28

Practical guidance for dealing with loss presented in an illustrated story form as though it were a children's book. Charming and helpful with comforting words and advice that helps well past the point when your acquaintances may begin to tire of your grief and mourning. This book gives you permission to grieve and also give you permission and guidance in going on with your life. This is a book for all ages.
There is a list of resources in the back for those dealing with different kinds of loss. Though they do not have a resource specifically for people who have lost someone in War they do have a large range of support groups etc.

A Grieving Mother.......2007-09-22

My daughter died suddenly 6 weeks ago and a friend, who lost her son last year, sent this book saying that it would help me understand the unknown and confusing physical, emotional and spiritual things that were happening to me and our family as we come to terms with the new, now much less perfect, world we inhabit. Many friends have given many books, but this is the only one that I will pass on. The book is perfect in every way from the illustrations to the end-notes and advice for friends and family of the soup cooks. It is touching, profound, funny and affirming in just the right combination.

Home with God: In a Life That Never Ends

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Home With God In A Life That Never Ends
An interesting read if the after-life interests you
Home with God
Home is Where the God Is
New Age Pablum

Home with God: In a Life That Never Ends
Neale Donald Walsch
Manufacturer: Atria
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

An uplifting masterwork of comfort and compassion exploring

the ultimate questions of existence and transcendence.

Nothing has riveted humanity's interest more, nor has anything been more frightening or awe-inspiring, than the finality of death. In Home with God, the last installment of his bestselling Conversations with God series, Neale Donald Walsch asks the questions that everyone has longed to ask and receives the answers readers have all been waiting for. Through his profound and personal dialogue with God, Walsch explores the process by which all human beings must end their days here on Earth and begin their new life in God's Kingdom -- to which all eventually return, regardless of their earthly deeds. An astonishing and spiritual work, Home with God offers hope, comfort, and surprising revelations for all humankind.

Download Description

"An uplifting masterwork of comfort and compassion exploring the ultimate questions of existence and transcendence. Nothing has riveted humanity's interest more -- nor has anything been more frightening or awe-inspiring -- than the experience known as death. In Home with God, the final installment of his bestselling Conversations with God series, Neale Donald Walsch asks the questions that everyone has longed to ask and receives the answers readers have all been waiting for. Through his profound and personal dialogue with God, Walsch explores the process by which all human beings must end their days here on Earth and begin their new life in God's Kingdom, to which all eventually return, regardless of their earthly deeds. This astonishing spiritual work offers hope, comfort, and surprising revelations for all humankind.

Customer Reviews:

Home With God In A Life That Never Ends.......2007-10-01

This should be a MUST READ for everyone and especially for those who harbor doubts concerning what happens after death. Life is a journey and we are here to experience, nothing more and nothing less. Great Book.

An interesting read if the after-life interests you .......2007-10-01

Over the years I've read many of Mr. Walsch's books because I found the content to be inspirational or thought-provoking in several ways. I particularly liked "Conversations with God Book 1" (CwG Book 1) because it had a profound effect on my spiritual philosophy. In this book Walsch focuses primarily on the after-life, and if that is a serious interest of yours then this would be a good book to read. If not, then I'd recommend considering one of his other titles instead, such as "Friendship with God" Friendship with God: An Uncommon Dialoguefor example, or CwG Book 1 Conversations with God : An Uncommon Dialogue (Book 1), which in my view remains the best work he has ever done.

Home with God.......2007-08-26

Great information, well written and mind opening to a new way of processing and understanding life and the transitional experience we call death.

Home is Where the God Is.......2007-08-13

I stumbled upon this book in a used bookstore, had no idea it was even out. Having enjoyed reading his CWG books, I grabbed it for a good read, but it was so much more than that. I was provoked in new ways, my beliefs du jour were challenged on every other page, I found myself writing notes till my fingers hurt...this is unusual for me as I have read ALL the books of this ilk for over 30 years and NEVER had such a response before. Since I enjoy being challenged and shaken up, it was an absolute mixture of joy and discomfort and ahas and oh ohs... If you are interested in the possibilities of what lies 'Beyond' this book gives a unique tour and I felt like I was 'there' (wherever 'there' might be!). I do not recommend this for the faint of heart or for those that are too sure in what they believe. For others it is a MUST!

New Age Pablum.......2007-08-12

It is practically impossible to read this book with a straight face. The images and the dialogue are so sophmoric that one begins to wonder how the author could write this "dialogue" without blushing. To wrap genuine esoteric thought and principles up in such drivle is not worthy of the topic he addresses. Like most beginner's texts, it will prove to be either a stepping stone as an introduction to real life and death issues, or it will serve as a stumbling block to those who think that in reading this book they have found the "Truth" and will stop searching for real enlightment.

Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?

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So that's why . . .
not credible
An Empowering Way to Reframe Painful Challenges in Our Lives
Some of life's challenges explained.
Why Human Challenges Exist!

Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?
Robert Schwartz
Manufacturer: Whispering Winds Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spiritual | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0977679454
Release Date: 2006-12-16

Book Description

Courageous Souls explores the premise that we are all eternal souls who plan our lives, including our greatest challenges, prior to birth for purposes of spiritual growth. The book contains ten true stories of people who planned physical illness, having handicapped children, deafness, blindness, drug addiction, alcoholism, losing a loved one, and severe accidents. Because very different life challenges are often planned for similar reasons, readers who have not faced these specific challenges will nevertheless see themselves - and their motivations as a soul - in these stories. As readers come to realize that they themselves planned their lives, suffering that once seemed purposeless becomes imbued with deep meaning. Wisdom may be acquired in a more conscious manner; feelings of anger, guilt, blame, and victimization are replaced by acceptance, forgiveness, peace, and gratitude.

Customer Reviews:

So that's why . . ........2007-10-08

If you ever want to get into the backside of your pre-birth planning of your life challenges, read Courageous Souls by Robert Schwartz. Want to know why you attract illness, accidents, birth defects? Want to know why you chose a life of alcoholism or drug addiction, or are around someone who has? Read this book. The stories, while may start out slow at first, are powerful and insightful. Just stick with them. Robert uses mediums who are able to access multiple guides at one time, and your primary guide and listen in on conversations between you and your soul group.

not credible.......2007-09-30

I got to p. 300 and started reading another book. I found this book painstakingly slow to read, the information provided by the mediums: farfetched, and the conclusions drawn by the author, hard to swallow. Often, when mediums are tired, their accuracy rate diminishes. I never heard of any of the mediums used in this book. Robert Schwartz makes everything so complicated when the subject matter is really quite easy to understand. The book just doesn't flow easily and it's not a page turner in my opinion. I'm a believer, but this book really is a waste of time and money. Read Journey of the Soul by Michael Newton, PhD. Instead of using mediums, he enters the superconsciousness of his clients and elicits information from them directly about their experiences on The Other Side.

An Empowering Way to Reframe Painful Challenges in Our Lives.......2007-09-17

It has been said that asking oneself the question, "Who was I before I was born?" can teach us the most about our true spiritual identity -- yet few of us have been so enlightened as to have heard the full reply. COURAGEOUS SOULS takes this starting point one step further by exploring just how we may have crafted our entire life around all of our life circumstances -- both the high and the low points.

What sets Robert Schwartz's book apart from other books about spirituality, reincarnation and the afterlife is his organized use of intuitive readings as companion pieces to accompany the various life stories he includes. These intuitive sessions provide a deep sense of interconnectedness and unconditional love shared in our lifetimes which we sometimes lose sight of, as well as insights into how we continue learning life lessons from one life to the next. The stories include descriptions of people who have experienced tremendous suffering who are greatly inspired and relieved to see an underlying sense of purpose and meaning to all they have gone through.

COURAGEOUS SOULS is an exceptional book for anyone interested in exploring the true nature of their spiritual identity, who is willing to keep an open mind regarding the value of some of the most painful challenges we humans face in our lives on Earth; this is highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to reframe and find deeper meaning from the painful challenges, setbacks or hardships in their lives.

Some of life's challenges explained........2007-09-06

.
Before I even finished reading this book, I ordered more and had them sent to my friends. This book is amazing.

Told through many soul journies, Robert Schwartz brought in the talents of true mediums who were able to discover decisions that these people made before they were born - again. He did not use just one medium, but several, and they are listed in the back of the book. The individuals who shared their stories are also listed with email addresses -- and if they are able and have the time they will answer your questions.

This book came to me at a time I really needed to be reminded of my own experiences through many lives and the time between our next life. The stories are beautiful because they are able to explain why certain tragedies happen to a person.

I highly recommend this book, especially to those with open and searching minds.

Why Human Challenges Exist!.......2007-08-28

Courageous Souls is highly recommended to anyone trying to understand the suffering, tragedy or loss that has caused them to question life, death and/or God. And who among us is not inflicted by such challenges and questions in our lifetime? In my eight years researching life after death, spirituality and life purpose, I have discovered no better explanation of why human challenges exist than what is so eloquently written in Robert Schwartz's book.

Bob Olson, [...]

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A special thank you to the author.
Very usefull!
What's Heaven? What a comfort!
Special thought for a sad time.
very comforting for my 4 year old

What's Heaven?
Maria Shriver
Manufacturer: Golden Books Adult Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0307440435
Release Date: 1999-02-15

Amazon.com

Borne from actual questions asked by her own daughters, journalist Maria Shriver's What's Heaven? is a gentle narrative following the conversations that pass between a mother and a young daughter in the days immediately following the death of the child's special great-grandmother. Initially, young Kate's concern is with the obvious change in her mother. Quickly, one question leads to another.

Kate asked, "Mommy, why are you so sad?" Her mom looked at her and said, "My grandma, your great-grandma, has died and gone to Heaven." Kate thought about this for a moment. "Then she asked, "Heaven? What's Heaven?"

Shriver, who was raised Catholic, delivers a simple, traditional definition of Heaven that is rich in imagery but never overembroidered . Heaven, she writes, "is a beautiful place up in the sky, where no one is sick, where no one is mean or unhappy. It's a place beyond the moon, the stars, and the clouds.... Heaven isn't a place you can see.... It's somewhere you believe in." As the funeral approaches and Kate's questions become more pragmatic ("How will she breathe in the box?... Why did Great-grandma look so different?") her mother slowly and clearly introduces the concept of body versus soul, explaining that Great-grandma's best and brightest traits will live on forever in the people she loved. It's hard for Kate to grasp, but by book's end, when she's calling up into the sky to her Great-grandma, it is clear Kate understands. "I know you are up there, and if you can hear me, I want you to know that even though you are no longer here, your spirit will always be alive in me." Generously illustrated with Sandra Speidel's full-size pastel drawings of the characters, the sky, angels, and family photographs, this is a book that can comfortably be read in one sitting. Not that it will only be read once: it's got instant-classic written all over it. (Ages 5 and older) --Jean Lenihan

Book Description

What's Heaven is the story of Kate, a little girl whose great-grandma has just died.She seeks answers, and her mother helps her learn about Heaven.The many questions in this book--childlike and thought-provoking--are real, coming from Maria Shriver's own children, nieces and nephews when her grandmother Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy passed away.With loving, cinfident, and ultimately uplifting answers, Shriver taught her family, and will teach yours, how to come together, feel closer to each other, and feel peace.

Customer Reviews:

A special thank you to the author........2007-01-25

In 1999 my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We received the book from one of our Hospice workers and he read it to his girls (then 7 & 9). This became a very special book for the girls during he last few months of life and for several months after his death. It is probably one of the best explanations of heaven I had heard and I grew up in a very strict Catholic household. Thank you Maria Shriver for this book. I highly recommend it to anyone that has to explain dying to a child.

Very usefull!.......2007-01-13

Found the book usefull in giving direction to parents, grandparents as to how to gently explain the end of this life to a child.

What's Heaven? What a comfort!.......2007-01-09

Well, it's been 7 years since my dad passed away from cancer. My daughter was 3 at the time and we all had a very hard time. This book was given to us by someone at our church. It has sure helped us all, not just my daughter but all of us. Now if we know of anyone who is going through this, we get this book!

Thank you for this wonderful book. We will cherish it forever!

Special thought for a sad time........2006-11-13

I really liked Maria Shriver book, "What's Heaven", I would recommend it for any family that is grieving a loss.

very comforting for my 4 year old.......2006-03-27

This book was very comforting to my 4 year old after the death of her great grandmother. No, it does not go into religious beliefs. Yes, there are some far fetched things in the book like animals being seperated by a white picket fence, but for very young children, the most important thing is that they are comforted and not scared about what happens to a loved one after they die. This book accomplishes that.

When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief

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OUTSTANDING BOOK...DESERVES EVEN MORE STARS...
One Of the very best books available on such a delicate topic
An Important Book For Every Teacher To Have

When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief
Marge Heegaard
Manufacturer: Woodland Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0962050202

Book Description

A practical format for allowing children to understand the concept of death and develop coping skills for life.

Customer Reviews:

OUTSTANDING BOOK...DESERVES EVEN MORE STARS..........2006-12-29

This book's simplicity is inviting, comfortable and un-intimidating for a young child (our daughter is 6-years-old; her grandma died very suddenly...).
The book involves children in drawing and coloring as a part of learning, and becoming COMFORTABLE, with the concept of the natural stages of life - birth to death. Since drawing and coloring are a natural part of a young child's activities, they feel right at home with this book. This is not just a coloring book. The exercises are quite specific, and so simple, but make SO MUCH SENSE!!
I also love the fact that there is VERY little reading for the parent to do, because emotionally, I'm not up to it right now. So this approach is simpler and less heart-wrenching for all of us.
NOTE: Even if you think your child is dealing just fine with the loss of a loved one, I highly suggest you get this book anyway. Our daughter didn't start exhibiting signs of stress, anxiety and fear until 4 months after her grandmother died. The concepts in this book are HEALTHY and HELPFUL, no matter how your child is dealing with their loss. This may even be a great book for a child who hasn't lost anyone yet, because it is an inevitable part of life.

One Of the very best books available on such a delicate topic.......2006-06-28

I researched for many days every book avalable on this subject, as my husband left me a young widow at 26, dying very suddenly and tragically of a brain annuerisym in the middle of the night, beside me in the car - two weeks before Thanksgiving. Although I am cursed that I have not been left with our own child, he did leave behind several nieces and nephews profoundly attached to him; he was the most loving and adoring man toward children, much like one himself, which is why they loved him so...... so I knew when he died, looking at their faces they simply could not understand, - let alone cope or come to terms.... to make matters worse, the rest of the family demanded I not cry or show emotion in front of them - "Don't upset the children"...... what a terrible mistake. Hiding your emotions from such delicate and tender minds teaches them to hide and be confused about their own feelings.It was so painful for me to not only lose him, but feel I could not have or give support to those who suffered with me.
I had to find some way to intervine, because I knew in my heart and soul the way the children were being treated - excluded, hidden away, avoided, not even spoken to or allowed to be present during the many gatherings of his hundreds of friends who came to visit over the week, etc.... was detrimental and only causing them more harm and hurt...... So I sought to do the only thing I had any power to in the situation, since my own position was not respected or honored in the family (THEY BLAME ME FOR HIS DEATH, BECAUSE I "SHOULD HAVE KNOWN SOMETHING WAS WRONG" I "LET HIM DIE" and I "DIDN'T GET HIM TO THE HOSPITAL OR GET HELP IN TIME".) So much anger - and that is what the children saw... it left me wondering if they themselves wondered if it was me who had caused his death, knowing they heard every cruel and scathing remark made to me .... I searched out to find a book that might help these children express, emote, release their feelings.... the therapy they very much needed if any healing would take place, because no one was trying to give them the outlet or opportunity to do so....
Finding this book was truly a blessing.
It is done in the very best format for a child, --- allowing them to draw, write, color, -- providing several projects and posing many questions that allow them to express themselves the way children do best --- through their own art and writing.
And best of all, -- it reaffirms constantly what the child NEEDS to hear - nothing you said or did caused this, it is not the fault of yours or anyone elses -- but a natural part of life......
Beautifully written, incredibly sensitive toward the child's psyche and means of thinking, --- one of the very best books for any child that is suffering from the loss of a beloved and close famiy, friend, -- even a pet..... and gives them something to hold onto and reflect upon as they grow and age to see how they have evolved from this tragedy. It is a journal, a sketchbook, a workbook, a friend, - a keepsake......Highly recommended, amazing, and very touching.

An Important Book For Every Teacher To Have.......2005-01-25

Learning to cope with difficult emotions is a most important achievement for young children who are experiencing grief from some form of loss. The experience of death needs an adequate explanation using correct terms and simply stated definitions. When vague terms are used, children become confused. When children are given the opportunity to ask questions and to express feelings of grief through physical and creative activities, they are able to develop healthy coping patterns that will continue through adulthood.
When Someone Very Special Dies, Children Can Learn to Cope With Grief, written by Marge Heegaard, is a book intended to help children move through various levels of grief through the use of writing and drawing their own illustrations. This workbook's presentation is a valuable tool to be used by children through a confusing emotional time. Throughout the 32 pages of narrative prompts and partially drawn black and white illustrations, children are able to actively participate in a concrete and personally reflective experience. Children are encouraged to explore curiosities about death by asking questions, and they share personal understanding through the use of writing and creating their own illustrations.
In response to grief, children may display a spectrum of emotions often acted out because they are unable to clearly express feelings verbally. Through the use of supportive prompts, children are coached in choosing ways to express anger or fear in a way that doesn't hurt other people or animals, or themselves. Children are encouraged to use suggestions on how to use physical movement and exercise to avoid the stuffing of feelings, which over time can cause severe physical ailments.
In a classroom, grades kindergarten through 3, this book work well as a guide for designing a range of collaborative activities. For K-1 students, When Someone Very Special Dies, Children Can Learn to Cope With Grief can easily be used to introduce the concept that change is natural. The first four pages of the book consist of partially illustrated discussion prompts which students are invited to complete with their own illustrative ideas. These pages explore change in the life cycle of a butterfly, change in the seasons, and change in people as they age. The reader learns about the origin of feelings of grief, how living and growing things change, and how death is a natural part of this change. A group discussion following time to work in the book is important for children to be able to express their understanding behind their own illustrations.
In a classroom of 2nd or 3rd graders, students work in pairs answering various provided prompts from pages 11-20. On these pages, students discuss curiosities they have about their own personal feelings and what influences them to change. They explore expressions of different feelings and where these feelings are located throughout the body, discovering alternative ways feelings can be expressed in a safe and healthy manner. Through this activity, students learn to feel comfortable to discuss an experience of painful emotion. In this way, students are able to identify the problems and pain of others by gaining insight into their own experiences. Following the discussion, each pair of students might create a poster reflecting the information they have collected about what they learned regarding various emotions and how they might be expressed in a safe and healthy manner.
When Someone Very Special Dies, Children Can Learn to Cope With Grief would serve well as a personal journal for students in grades 4 through 6, rather than strictly as a whole group activity guide. Some portions could be referred to and used to guide whole class discussions or for non-stop writing prompts. Other portions of the book should be left for private reflection and entry due to its personal reference to religious content.
I strongly recommend the book When Someone Very Special Dies, Children Can Learn to Cope With Grief for every classroom library. It provides a healthy message and positive means for helping children work through an experience with grief. Children need help to grieve and grow in healthy ways. Children must be allowed to get their sadness out by sharing feelings and memories with trusted listeners. This book provides children with a positive healing experience, and the ability to know that life can be okay again.

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book on death for kids & their adults
Lifetimes
Useful, factual book about death
Simply stated, great for any age.
A Good Introduction For Youngsters To The Reality That Life Is Never Forever

Lifetimes
Bryan Mellonie
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Grief & Bereavement | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0553344021
Release Date: 1983-10-01

Customer Reviews:

book on death for kids & their adults.......2007-03-09

As advertised - great pictures, nice text, very use-able especially with pre-school kids -

Lifetimes.......2007-01-22

This is a really great book to get for children and to read to children. It explains life from birth to death on a level kids can relate to. When you are at a loss for words trying to figure out how to make a child understand, you need to read this book .

Useful, factual book about death.......2006-11-26

After introducing the subject of death with "Remember the Butterflies," I answered my daughter's question, "What does 'die' mean?" with this book. Unlike the other books we read to process her grandfather's death, she never wanted this one again, but it was very useful for answering that question. Its repeated message that everything alive dies, I think, gently but firmly leads to acceptance of this sad truth.

Simply stated, great for any age........2006-11-06

I purchased this book for my 5 year old daughter based on the previous reviews. Although we have not had a recent death in the family she was struggling with the fear of death to come. This book helped calm her fears and gave her a different way to look at dying by introducing the idea of "lifetimes" of all things, not just people. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs help explaining death. It was a great help.

A Good Introduction For Youngsters To The Reality That Life Is Never Forever.......2006-09-13

Knowing and working with many young children, I have come to appreciate that there are certain concepts that we, as adults, tend to take for granted as being somehow obvious or, if you will, self-evident. One of these is the inevitability of death. Trying to explain death to a child - particularly to a very young ( 2 - 4 year old) child can be an exasperating experience for even the most well meaning parent, teacher or concerned adult. Luckily, there is a growing body of literature, written to be looked at while being read to youngsters that simplify the essential concept sown to a level that can be understood by the child and will suffice until the child lets us know, through their ever more sophisticated questions, that they need more information. I have a collection of such books that I use and recommend to parents, where death has been a recent event in the family, for use with their children. This book by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen, is the one I most frequently recommend for use with this youngest group of children.

Each page contains a minimum of words with an illustration on the facing page - of which there are only about 20. Immediately, by design, the most common adult well-intentioned error is defeated: that involving giving into the propensity to talk TOO MUCH; to use TOO MANY WORDS; to try to explain the idea in a way that the young child is no where near ready to grasp yet. The initial page and illustration present an exemplary example. On the right side is a simple, hand-drawn illustration of a bird's nest containing two eggs. On the facing (left side) page, the following is the entirety of the text:

There is a beginning

And there is an ending for everything

That is alive.

In between is living.

The rest of the text and illustrations bring this same basic idea home to kids via references all manner of living things. Sea creatures, plants, people, birds, trees and insects among them. On the fourth page across from a drawing of a crab:

Nothing that is alive

Goes on living forever.

How long it lives depends upon

What it is and what happens

While it is living.

The next-to-last page:

So, no matter how long they are,

Or how short, lifetimes are really

All the same.

They have beginnings, and endings,

And there is living in between.

Young children cannot be expected to understand death as we adults do - or believe we do. The decomposition of bodies, the questions of life-after-death, issues involving illness and disease: all of these are beyond the scope of conceptual understanding of the average pre-schooler. Keep it simple until more complex questions are forthcoming from the child. This book is a good first step in what is apt to be a prolonged, increasingly complex process.

If sadness should befall your family (or a pet, or a friend, etc.) and you have a pre-schooler , take a look at this book and ask yourself if it might not be a good place to begin explaining things to YOUR child. I would certainly use it for mine.

Average customer rating:

A beautiful, bubbling, but bittersweet book
Each little Bird That Sings by:Deborah Wiles
Each Little Bird That Sings
Each Little Bird That Sings
Each Little Bird That Sings

Each Little Bird That Sings
Deborah Wiles
Manufacturer: Harcourt Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0152056572

Amazon.com

Death is a way of life for the Snowberger family, since they run a funeral parlor out of their Mississippi home with the motto "We live to serve." Still, when 94-year-old Great-great-aunt Florentine Snowberger dies in the vegetable garden, no one can truly be prepared, even though she'd been bidding "good night and good-bye" to the family every night since she turned 90. Florentine's death is hard on 10-year-old Comfort, since the two were so close, even co-writing the Fantastic (and Fun) Funeral Food for Family and Friends. It's no surprise, then, when the annoyingly overwrought emotional displays of her young cousin Peach Shuggars and the sudden iciness of her alleged best friend Declaration Johnson send Comfort over the edge. Thank goodness for her shaggy "feel-good" dog Dismay who can eradicate all bad feelings with a single slobbery lick.

When a dangerous flash flood comes to Snapfinger on the day of Florentine's funeral, Comfort learns again that life is full of surprises, good and bad, and that, ultimately, it's just good to be alive. This warm, witty novel, told in Comfort's voice (and a mix of letters, recipes, articles, and helpful hints), celebrates the joys of family, of prune bread, of freshly sharpened pencils, and of "each little bird that sings." The fairly constant philosophizing about life and death, the unusual character names (Tidings, Comfort, Joy), and the narrator's oft-precocious voice may fray a nerve or two, but readers will find more than enough humor and good old-fashioned storytelling here to make up for it. (Ages 8 to 12) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

Ten-year-old Comfort Snowberger has attended 247 funerals--her family owns the local funeral home, after all. And even though Great-uncle Edisto keeled over with a heart attack and Great-great-aunt Florentine dropped dead--just like that--six months later, Comfort knows how to deal with loss, or so she thinks. She's more concerned with avoiding her crazy cousin Peach and trying to figure out why her best friend, Declaration, suddenly won't talk to her. But life is full of surprises. And the biggest one of all is learning what it takes to handle them.

In this heartfelt and quintessentially Southern coming-of-age novel, Comfort will charm young readers with her wit, her warmth, and her struggles as she learns about life, loss, and ultimately, triumph.

I ncludes reader's guide and a biography of the author.

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful, bubbling, but bittersweet book.......2007-09-02

While organizing books in my basement, I came across a hand-me-down with a cool-looking cover. I read the back and was attracted to the content. I decided I would start reading it to my kids--6, 8, and 10--before bed each night. The author has a very cute way of writing and created such great characters that amused my kids right from the beginning. They especially laughed out loud at everything Merry said.

SPOILER WARNING:

During a flash flood that nearly kills Comfort and Peach, Dismay--funeral dog extraordinaire--gets swept away by the rising water's current. I stopped there for the night and came down to find out what happens. After reading the other reviews and finding out that Dismay does die, I was so sad. I decided to tell the kids the next morning so that they'd be prepared when I read before bed that night. I didn't want to upset them before bed! They took it pretty well and wanted to go on reading that night.

Parents, if you're going to read this book aloud to your children, I hope you can get through it better than I did. I actually had to have my husband take over at certain parts because I couldn't get the words through the lump in my throat nor see for the tears in my eyes! It was a little embarrassing and my daughter said, "Mom, you're weird." LOL

My 8- and 10-year-old enjoyed this book more than my 6-year-old. He lost interest here and there and wasn't interested in hearing the end.

All in all, this book was wonderfully written and was tender and sweet. Death is a part of life and it was nice to talk about the subject with my kids after our nightly sessions. I'm really glad I found this book and got to share it with my babies.

Each little Bird That Sings by:Deborah Wiles.......2007-06-04

Have you ever been to a funeral? Have you ever know someone that ruins everything? Well those things happen in Each Little Bird That Sings.It is about a girl named Comfort that surronded by death and all the drama that comes with it.But when her best friend turns straight mean and her annoying cousin Peach comes all she wants to do is hide in her closet and make all her troubles go away. I would recemond this book to people who like drama and suprises.

Each Little Bird That Sings.......2007-06-04

This book is about a girl surounded by death and all the drama that comes with it. I recomend this book to anyone who likes alot of drama and excitment. I also think if you like to read this would be a great book for you. The author of this book really expresses them self, and makes you feel like you were there too.
This book isn`t very hard to read but some of the words are a little tricky, and they are sometimes unfamilar and new too. So if you would like to read this book I hope you enjoy it as much as I did too!

Each Little Bird That Sings.......2007-06-04

Have you ever been to a funeral before?Well Comfort has been to 247 funeral.Her father owns the town funeral home and she's been to all of the funerals.So she's surrounded by death.

She can tell you which cassorole to eat and who to sit by and not to sit by.And number 1 on the not to sit by is Peach.He gets on Comfort's nerves.Peach is Comfort's little cousin.Comfort hates Peach.

This book reminds me of myself because sometimes my little cousin gets on my nerves.

I give this book 4 stars.I give this book 4 stars because I thought it was going to be more intresting.I thought Comfort was going to run away with her dog Dimay.

I recommend this book to someone that likes sadness.

Review By: Tatiana Age: 10

Each Little Bird That Sings.......2007-04-17

Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles is a young adult realistic fiction novel. The story takes place in Snapfinger, Mississippi in present times. The main character, Comfort Snowberger, is a ten year old girl who lives at a funeral home right near the cemetery. Her best friend is Dismay, her wonderful, "feel-good dog". Wiles writes about Comfort's challenges with death, fear, anger, and her ever-so-annoying cousin, Peach. Meanwhile, Comfort's old best friend, Declaration, seems to be getting meaner by the second. So when worst comes to worst, friends are lost, yet the future still holds promise.
I liked most of this book, but I'll have to say this part was one of my favorites. In one scene about 1/5 of the way into the book, Comfort is making her way up to Listening Rock and describes everything. After just one paragraph you get a crystal clear picture in your head. "A thick stand of rose of Sharon bushes guarded the path with strong woody branches full of wide pink blooms." is one of the descriptive sentences from the novel. This section made me feel as though I was actually there. I felt calm but excited to see what would happen next.
This is my evaluation of the book. Overall I thought Each Little Bird That Sings is a pretty good book. I think there are two morals to this book: 1) don't judge people immediately and 2) to forgive. This book was little bit easy for my reading level, but I still enjoyed it. A lot of this book was sad or scary so I will probably remember it well. I would have to think about whether this book should be on my favorite bookshelf, but in the end I would probably add it to my favorites.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: 20th Aniversary Edition

Average customer rating:

More Than Grief Counseling
One of my favorite books
Must Have
A great comfort...
Fabulous

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: 20th Aniversary Edition
Leo Buscaglia
Manufacturer: Slack
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0805071954

Book Description

Originally published in the fall of 1982, the wonderfully wise and strikingly simple story of a leaf named Freddie has become one of the most popular books of our times. How Freddie and his companion leaves change with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with a winters snow, is an inspiring allegory illustrating the delicate balance between life and death.After offering solace for a generation of adults and children alike, The Fall of Freddie the Leaf arrives in a classic edition with a beautiful new package that will appeal to todays readers at a time when stories of comfort and inspiration have become more important than ever.

Customer Reviews:

More Than Grief Counseling.......2007-09-23

Many people first encounter "Freddie" during the times surrounding the deaths of loved ones, but the value of the book goes far beyond grief counseling.
The story of Freddie the Leaf is ultimately not just about death, but about becoming attuned to the cycles of life. As such, it should be bought and read to children regardless of whether a loved one is dying. A large part of the story is concerned with how Freddie lives and relates to the world around him: the other leaves on his tree, the tree itself and to the world surrounding the tree, the people and creatures inhabiting that world and so on.
This is a book about how we relate to the Universe, how we find a place in it that is right for us, and how we see ourselves as part of its inevitable movement. Death is only a part of that movement.
The grief caused by death is, after all, not about the death itself, but rather about the absence of the loved one. The understanding of death does not lessen the pain of that absence, but it does place it in a context that is larger than any specific death.
Freddie's reluctance to let go and fall, is really about his failure to relax into his place in the larger context. Once he sees himself as a part of the Universe, he finds peace and contentment in it. As such, "The Fall of Freddie the Leaf" is an extraordinarily effective way of introducing, not only discussions about death, but discussions with children (and adults, I might add) about the rhythms of life, and how making a good death is largely dependent on living a good and authentic life, as Freddie did.
The book is, after all, sub-titled, "A Story of Life for All Ages," and as such, it deserves to be on everyone's bookshelf whether they are dealing with a death in the family or not.

One of my favorite books.......2007-08-05

One of my favorite books. I send this book instead of flowers to people who have lost a loved one. Will make you cry but in a good way.

Must Have.......2007-05-15

Great book for young kids dealing with the loss of a loved one.

A great comfort..........2007-03-17

I received this book after my grandfather passed away. Coincidentally it was the same year this book was published. I still have it to this day. It is one of the few books that I truly cherish.

Fabulous.......2007-03-14

I love this book. I did a lot of research before purchasing several books for my neices and nephew after their grandpa died at age 62. It is a simple, well written and wonderful book for both children and adults to understand the cycle of life. I'm glad I chose this one.

Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends' Journey Beyond Death

Average customer rating:

EXCELLANT
Animals and the Afterlife
Fantastic Book
Nice Read
an emtional warm blanket

Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends' Journey Beyond Death
Kim Sheridan
Manufacturer: Hay House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1401908896

Book Description

Kim Sheridan grew up with animals as her constant companions. Each time she faced the death of a beloved pet, along with the pain came the same questions, to which she could find no answers. Then, mysterious things began to happen that she couldn’t explain, which led her on an incredible journey to uncover the truth. Along with her own extraordinary experiences, she compiled heartwarming and meaningful true stories of everyday people around the world, and discovered compelling evidence that forever erased her own doubts about an afterlife for animals.
This book provides enormous comfort and reassurance to anyone who has ever cherished a pet, and food for thought for anyone who has ever questioned the place of these beloved creatures in the larger scheme of things, both here on Earth and beyond.

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLANT.......2007-10-03

Loosing a 'friend' is never easy....for some, as with myself....tramatic..it has been two months.....
but with Kim Sheridan.........and the stories.....it has helped, given me hope and some peace.
I DO NOT recommend Sylvia Browne's book 'Spirit of Animals"..it is a picture book with two minutes of reading time......and you do not feel any better for it.
This book gives you hope, peace, and that just maybe you and your friend will meet again on THIS side.............

Animals and the Afterlife.......2007-09-06

This book was so helpful in easing the pain of losing a beloved pet. Kim
Sheridan's writing is informative, compassionate and insightful. I would recommend this book to anyone who is grieving a companion animal.

Fantastic Book.......2007-09-05

Once I got started reading this book, it was hard to put down. After reading this book I have the comfort of knowing that the 2 pets I just recently lost are still close by. I was touched by the wonderful stories that were shared by other people. I would highly recommend this book.

Nice Read.......2007-08-24

Comforting book for anyone who has lost a beloved pet. I now even have a new outlook on the rat family. It is filled with many wonderful story the writer received from others who have lost there pets. Easy read, would recommend for anyone of any age.

an emtional warm blanket.......2007-03-18

kim's book has been answered prayers for myself and many family members and friends.i cannot imagine how she was able to pick and choose through so many broken hearts to help us. i shed tears while reading this book both from grief and joy and allowed myself a sense of peace and understanding of transition that i had not learned even after a lifetime of critical care nursing. i appreciate the authors' respect for all life, and the different ways it is celebrated,mourned and honoured throughout the world. i appreciate greatly the biblical referances and the beautiful quotations. even though i miss my family greatly, i rejoice in knowing they will meet me at the rainbow bridge....thankyou kim,bless you and your work...looking forward to the next book....hurry!!!

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