There Was Another: A Book for Siblings After the Loss of a Twin/Multiple Baby
What’s inside...
This book is designed for children whose family has experienced the loss of a baby that was a twin or a multiple. It is geared towards older siblings or living twins/multiples, providing families with the words to support a child's feelings immediately after the loss and in the years following. The book uses simple and gently honest language to facilitate discussions about the death of the baby. It features inclusive words and illustrations that reflect diverse situations, family dynamics, cultures, and religions. Suitable for children ages 2-12, the book includes tips for caregivers, illustrative representations of all families, simple words for children's understanding, and activity ideas for families to remember their baby. The book is printed through Amazon's Print-On-Demand service, offering quick delivery, worldwide availability, and environmental sustainability, with a return policy for any misprinted copies.
Age
2-12
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the story make you feel about the sibling who is no longer with us?
What are some ways we can remember and honor our lost loved one?
Do you have any questions about what happened to your sibling?
How do you think the family in the book felt? Can you relate to their feelings?
What are some things you’d like to do to stay connected with your sibling’s memory?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing 'There Was Another', approach the conversation with sensitivity and openness. Listen attentively to your child’s thoughts and feelings, affirming their emotions. Use the book’s illustrations to guide the discussion, pointing out scenes that might resonate with your child’s experiences. Encourage your child to express their grief in creative ways, such as drawing or writing a letter to their sibling. Remember to share your feelings too, as this can help your child feel supported and understood.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: The narrative gently guides children through the process of understanding and accepting the loss of a sibling, offering comfort and emotional support.
Real-World Application: Children learn to articulate their feelings and lean on family during tough times, enhancing their emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Embracing shared memories
Explanation: The story encourages children to cherish memories with their lost sibling, showing that these memories hold a precious place in heart and home.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes the appreciation of the past and helps children maintain a healthy connection to loved ones, even after they're gone.
Example Lesson: Understanding unique family dynamics
Explanation: The book provides insight into the special circumstances surrounding the loss of a twin, helping to explain why and how their situation may feel different.
Real-World Application: Kids gain empathy and understanding, allowing them to better navigate and explain their own family's unique stories and challenges.
Example Lesson: Expressing and validating feelings
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate the importance of expressing grief and other complex emotions, reinforcing that all feelings are valid.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to communicate openly about their emotions, fostering healthy emotional development and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Finding strength in family
Explanation: The book depicts the family coming together to support each other through hardship, emphasizing the strength in unity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of relying on family during difficult times, enforcing the value of familial support systems.