Description
Written by two Episcopal priests—and mothers—Grandpa’s Tent is a companion for children and families as they experience death, perhaps for the first time. The book explains what the Bible says about death—and life after death—and walks gently and honestly through the process of saying goodbye, attending the funeral, and grieving a loved one. The book also includes helpful talking points for adults to discuss death with children. Ages 7-12—Perfect for emerging readers as well as for adults and children to read along together.
Also available through Amazon Kindle and Apple Books.
Editorial Reviews
This wonderful book is a blessing. It is a blessing for children, who are so full of life themselves - who are experiencing the death of a loved one or wondering about death. It is also blessing for grown ups a - giving us language and ways to talk about God, life and death with children. Anyone who mourns will find comfort and wisdom in this lovely book.
-The Rev. Canon Michael Buerkel Hunn, Canon to the Presiding Bishop
Mary Davila and Sarah Kinney Gaventa have given a great gift to parents and religious leaders alike. Their gentle story demystifies one of the most universal and yet confounding experiences of life--the process of losing a loved one to death. The book expertly navigates both the feelings of loss and the beauty and "mechanics" of Christian burial--all infused with resurrection hope. And Paul Shaffer's artwork illuminates the words with warmth and tenderness.
-The Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana, author of God, Improv, and the Art of Living
Grandpa’s Tent is a wonderful book that I highly recommend as a useful tool to help our children understand the realities of death and loss. We live in a culture that is obsessed with youth and youthfulness. As a result, many people are unequipped and ill-prepared to cope with the process of death and dying. Grandpa’s Tent deals openly and honestly with these issues while at the same time beautifully conveying the promise and hope of our faith. This is the perfect book to help parents and children engage in an important conversation about the end of life and the good news of God’s love that goes with us to the grave and beyond.
-The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith
Dean, Washington National Cathedral
There are far too few children's books that describe life, death, heaven, and love that are as beautifully told and illustrated as Grandpa's Tent. This book will help children through the process of saying goodbye to a loved one, including the experience of attending a wake and a funeral. Touching and bittersweet, it is a story that provides honesty and respect for children on a topic many adults tend to avoid. -Sharon Ely Pearson, Christian educator