The Dragonfly Story – explaining the death of a loved one to children and families
‘I have yet to find any kind of book or leaflet for siblings that even comes close to being able to explain [sibling loss] as well as your book does.’ Senior Nurse in NICU at Addenbrokes Hospital
The Dragonfly Story is a retelling of the popular fable of the waterbugs and the dragonflies. This story is often used to help explain death and the concept of heaven to people of all ages. In fact, it was the story that inspired this blog!
After my daughter’s death in 2013, as a family we found the dragonfly fable so moving and hopeful that I decided to recreate the story, beautifully illustrated for children and adults to share. My version explains the fable in a clear and engaging way, in the setting of a family losing a child; however, I have kept it as general as possible so I hope anyone who is grieving can draw comfort from the main story.
The Dragonfly Story is a tale of hope. It provides a view of death that captures something of what heaven might be like. It is based on Christian themes but it is not religious and is suitable for anyone with or without a particular faith. The story helps open up the conversation about death and what we might believe happens to us when we die.
“This book is beautiful. It is both gentle and strong; it gives so many opportunities for children to widen the story and add their own memories and thoughts to it. It brings the dragonfly story to a supremely accessible and relatable level in such a simple format, ideal for younger children. I was enchanted by it.” Mary, UK
“My Dad died last August and I’ve wanted to find a book that would help my 7-year-old with his grief, his other Grandad had only died the year before. Nothing that I’ve found is as well written, beautifully illustrated and honest as your book. My son is so aware, over simplifying what has happened was never going to work for him. It’s truly a gift, thank you so much for sharing your story with us.” Beth, UK
“The Dragonfly Story is written with such compassion and understanding for the families to read to their young loved ones without fear and in the knowledge that it will bring happy thoughts and love at the end of it. It could lead to sharing wonderful memories and not fearing the unspoken. As a mum this also lifted my heart and mind into beautiful thoughts of love ones passed. I also work within a school as a SEN teaching assistant and this book I shall be sharing with the families that need it as I feel that a child in whichever level of learning they are at this is very accessible for their understanding. A must in my mind to be on all home and school book shelves to be shared together.” Kimberley, UK
“As a GP, this is a wonderful resource to have in our surgery, to help families cope with the death of a child.” Annalisa, UK
“The book is beyond perfect. Such a well-written and gentle approach. But I also love the fact it allows siblings to know it’s ok to still feel happy and play.” Melissa, UK
** I would like to make a special mention to all the family, friends, acquaintances and followers of this blog who donated money to help support the design costs of The Dragonfly Story. Anyone who requested it has their child’s name added to the In Memory page in the book. Thank you again! To see the donations page, please click here to be taken to JustGiving.**
Chasing Dragonflies 