What happens when a child loses a family member for the first time? As a parent, how can you explain to your child what is about to happen when a family member has a terminal diagnosis of cancer? The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread: A Story of Grief and Loss takes its young readers on a psychoeducational journey on the topic of grief due to loss, and provides positive coping strategies that can be used to assist children through the five stages of grief.
This is the first book in the picture-book series The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread for children ages 3-9 teaching about mental health, with resources for adult supporters.
A Story of Grief and Loss is based on the relationship between the author's oldest daughter, Peighten, and her late grandmother Robin, who passed away after her long battle with breast cancer. In the book, Peighten and her sidekick puppy Gingerbread educate readers about cancer, death, and grief. Peighten and Gingerbread inform readers of numerous coping strategies to assist children in their feelings of grief within the story and through the included therapeutic activity pages.
Feryn Heath is a licensed therapist in the state of Arizona. Professionally, she works in the field of addiction, specializing working with individuals who struggle with process and/or substance addictions.
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"Grief is a human experience, shared by all, yet we often go through it alone. Children are no different and they do not have the words to express their grief. 'The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread' opens up the world of grief to the reader, gives words to feelings, and lets them know they are not alone."
- Scott Davis M.Ed., LPC-S, CSAT-S, CMAT, Executive Director, Gentle Path at the Meadows
"The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread is a beautiful book for children about grief. It is a wonderful example of how children can be guided through the emotions and thoughts that come up during these times. Hoping to see more Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread navigating mental health and healthy coping skills." =Stephanie Emde PsyD., Clinical Director, Gentle Path at the Meadows
