Eric is a sand dragon who loves the sea very much. Each day, he watches it go out, knowing that it will return. But one day, Eric waits and waits, but it does not come back. He falls on the sand, feeling as if he has lost everything. Eric wants to shut himself off from his feelings, but eventually spots a little wildflower growing, and another, and another. He builds a rock pool garden, in memory of the sea that he loves, and learns that it is much better to feel the full pain of his loss, instead of closing his heart.
The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back
is a story for children who have lost someone they love. The beautiful illustrations and sensitively written story offer a wealth of opportunities to begin a conversation about the difficult emotions that can follow a loss, helping children to acknowledge and express their emotions. The story shows them that it is brave to feel sad, that they are surrounded by support, and that memories of a loved one are a special treasure that can never be lost.
Ideal for starting conversations about grief and sadness, this is an essential resource for anybody supporting children aged 4-12 who have experienced loss.
About the Author: Margot Sunderland is Director of Education and Training at The Centre for Child Mental Health London, Co-Director of Trauma Informed Schools UK, Honorary Visiting Fellow at London Metropolitan University, Senior Associate Member of the Royal College of Medicine, and Child Psychotherapist with over thirty years' experience of working with children, teenagers (many in residential care homes) and families. She is also a qualified secondary school teacher.
Margot is author of over twenty books in the field of child mental health, which collectively have been translated into eighteen languages and published in twenty-four countries. Her internationally acclaimed book, 'The Science of Parenting' (Dorling Kindersley) won a First Prize in the British Medical Association Medical Book awards and has been voted as one of the best brain books of our time by The Dana Foundation. Dr Sunderland has been studying the neuroscience of adult-child relationships for 17 years. Dr Sunderland is also founding Director of The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education, a Higher Education College and Academic Partner of University of East London. The College runs Masters Degrees/Diplomas in Child Psychotherapy, Child Counselling, Parent-Child Therapy and Therapeutic Play.
Nicky Armstrong holds an MA from the Slade School of Fine Art and a BA Hons in Theatre Design from the University of Central England. She has illustrated over 34 books in the mental health field which have been translated into 5 languages/countries. She works full time as an illustrator and fine artist. She has achieved major commissions nationally and internationally in mural work and fine art.
