Pat Brisson

This is an excellent story about dealing with the death of someone significant in a child’s life. It touches on the permanency of death but focuses most on the importance of keeping the memories alive. It is a touching book for adults as well as children, I think.

I know there are a lot of people who want "different" types of Thanksgiving books. Not the typical pilgrim/Indian fare. There is a large farm to table push these days and frankly, we need to acknowledge all of the different people that bring food to us: from the farmers to the packers to the grocery store workers. A lot of those people never get noticed and this book does that!

Gentle but honest treatment about death and grieving. Stevie's new teacher is Miss Perry, a compassionate and creative teacher whose eyes disappear when she smiles. Everyday she has a fondest wish for her students: that they be quiet so she can read aloud; that they all plant daffodils around the flagpole; that they sing Happy Birthday to the principal. The children clearly enjoy having her as a teacher. One afternoon, after an unusual start to the school day when Miss Perry is absent, the show more principal announces to the class that Miss Perry died in a car accident. The principal, counselor and parents are on hand to help the children understand what happened and to share fond memories about their teacher. show less

Simple and sweet. Acknowledges some community helpers but also those who are helpers in a more personal sense, as well as how kids can also be heroes when they are kind and giving. People depicted are diverse in cultural background as well as body types.