Resources
Video Resources
Ivy and the Rock
Read by the author Jess Childs for Sandy Bear.
A tale of adventure and self-discovery created to help young minds make sense of one of life’s greatest inevitabilities, Ivy and The Rock takes a beautifully illustrated look at what love and loss means, and how it is a part of us all.
find out more on Jess’s website, Big Issues for Little People
The huge Bag of worries
This story by Virginia Ironside is read by Janine and will help children who may be worried about something.
Wherever Jenny goes, her worries follow her – in a big blue bag. They are with her all the time – at school, at home, when she is watching TV and even in the bathroom! Jenny decides they have to go, but who will help her get rid of them?
A funny and reassuring look at dealing with worries and anxiety, to be used as a spring board into important conversations with your child.
The Invisible String
Janine, our very own Sandy Bear Trustee, is reading The Invisible String (author: Patrice Karst, artist: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff).It is a book for children to help with separation anxiety, loss and grief.
Thank you for permission to read Little Brown School and thank you for the lovely reading Janine.We hope you enjoy this beautiful book
Anita Hicks - Coronavirus Message
ITV reported in April on the anxiety faced by thousands of grandparents who are primary carers responsible for raising children.
Anita, our co-founder, talks directly to grandparents and wider families with practical advice to ensure stability and security for your children.
An excellent resource is planif.org.uk.
Saying Goodbye
Many parents and carers find that death is a hard concept to explain to children. Doctors at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children have created this moving animation to address the issue of saying goodbye to a loved one when they are not able to be involved.
We hope this resource provides comfort to those who need it as this difficult time.
Sandy Bear Video
A short video about Sandy Bear, and what we do.
What Happens at a Funeral
A video explaining ‘what happens at a funeral’ from Rosedale Funeral Home. More information here
Text Resources
As difficult as it is, children will feel safer and more secure when a parent or carer gives honest, age-appropriate information about the death of a loved one.
‘Saying Goodbye Children’ from Public Health Agency (NI) is a free online book to support children to say goodbye to a loved one. It provides much needed emotional support and solidarity whilst reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Recommended Reading
Below are a list of books that we find useful in supporting children and young people who have suffered from bereavement.
For young children to help understand death and grief
Dear Grandma Bunny by Dick Bruna
Goodbye Mousie by Robie H Harris
Ivy and The Rock by Jess Childs
A place in my Heart by Anette Aubrey
The Sunshine Cat by Miriam Moss and Lisa Flather
Always and Forever by Debi Gliori and Alan Durant
Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney
What does Dead Mean by Caroline Jay and Jenni Thomas
When dinosaurs die by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
Lunas Red Hat by Emmi Smid (looks at suicide )
For anxiety and separation
The Huge bag of worries by Virginia Ironside
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
No Worries! an activity book by Dr. Sharie Coombes and Katie Abey
Understanding Emotions
How are you feeling today by Molly Potter
I feel frightened
I feel Sad
I feel angry
I feel jealous all by Brian Moses
All of the above should be available at any good book outlet, but clicking on the links in the titles will take you to Amazon, where you can support Sandy Bear by purchasing through smile.amazon.co.uk – or click the image on the right. Thank you.
Links to Other Services
