On the Wings of a Butterfly: A Story About Life and Death

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book for children who are terminally ill with ca
Review: This book is wonderful! The descriptions of how the caterpillar changes into a butterfly are great and they relate so well to how a child would perceive themselves to change when they die. Explaining death to a child is extremely difficult, but this book does it beautifully and gives a child hope that they will be able to return in some way and let their loved ones know that they are happy. The illustrations are beautiful. This is a must have for social workers in the field of pediatric oncology. I recommend it enthusiastically. Many books on death are either too esoteric or too babyish. Children with cancer have experienced a great deal in their short lives and therefore have a greater understanding than most on death and the afterlife. This book acknowledges that understanding, embraces it, and then rejoices with the child in the new life that they are going to have. I have seen this book read at wakes, funerals and at the time of death to children, and it is very helpful to the child as well as to the family that is left behind. A wonderful book.