The Dragonfly Door
A Heartfelt Story about Loss and Change
by John Adams / illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson
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Review:
"The warm, emotional colors ... illustrate this highly recommended picturebook for sharing the bittersweet realities of life with young people."
-- The Midwest Book Review ______________________________
Description:
Help children identify the beauty and hope in all cycles of life as they follow two insects, Lea and Nym, and the struggles Nym endures when her friend disappears. The Dragonfly Door is a tender story about loss and change, written to help parents and adults express their views about life and death.
For Teachers or Counselors:
- Adults who work with children find this book helpful because it encourages some children to talk about their unique feelings associated with a loss or change.
- Children may identify with Nym, who grieves the loss of her friend, and find it easier to express their feelings about a loss after hearing the story.
- Some teachers follow-up with a discussion either one-on-one, in-class, or through a writing assignment.
- For those interested in nature, this book includes the real life cycle of the dragonfly at the end.
For Parents:
- Through a vision or dream, Nym learns that Lea has transformed into a beautiful dragonfly above the marsh.
- Someday, Nym will see her friend again in this new world.
- Parents and grandparents often interpret this as a metaphor for heaven or as an analogy to life after death.
- In this way, the core message of the story becomes one of hope for those who grieve the loss of someone.
The Dragonfly Door may serve many purposes, such as comforting a grieving child or providing facts about dragonflies. Beautifully illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson, the book is cherished by parents, grandparents and teachers.
Excerpt:
While Nym slept, she heard Lea's voice saying, "Follow me, Nym. I'm going to show you where I am." "Will I see you again?" Nym asked. "Only when it's time for you to die too," Lea replied. "You won't see me in the marsh ever again. But let me show you what I will look like the next time you see me. Here, close your eyes." Nym closed her eyes. "Now look at me," Lea said. Nym opened her eyes and saw ...
The Dragonfly Door
US $17.95 / Hardcover
40 pages, Ages 5 to 9
Publish Date: January 2007
ISBN-13: 978-1-934066-12-6
ISBN-10: 1-934066-12-5
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The Dragonfly Secret - New in 2008
A Story of Boundless Love
by Clea and John Adams
illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson
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The Dragonfly Secret is a heartwarming story for family members who have lost a loved one.
Description:
Love and hope transcend all boundaries when a boy and a dragonfly meet. An impossible encounter? Lea journeys through a beautiful garden to discover the boy’s secret. As she follows his clues, Lea meets people who need her help. And at the end, the unexpected secret is revealed.
Discover the power of boundless love in this heartfelt story about friendship, family, and remembrance. Beautifully illustrated, The Dragonfly Secret gently encourages children and adults to explore life’s infinite possibilities. Because of it, readers may look at nature in an entirely new light.
Excerpt:
Lea explored other parts of the garden. She looked under a picnic table and peeked inside the gardener's tool shed. Suddenly, Lea felt a strange stillness. The birds and insects were quiet. Someone nearby was crying. Lea flew cautiously toward the sound. A woman sat on a wooden bench in the corner of the garden. Lea could see her face wet with tears. The light around the woman seemed dim. For a moment, Lea's wings felt very heavy. She, too, felt sad. This must be what the woman feels, she thought. The woman continued to cry. Uncertain of what to do, Lea made her way to the branch of a nearby tree. She looked at the woman. Something caught her attention. Beside the woman on the bench was ...
The Dragonfly Secret
Publish Date: October 2008
US $16.95 / Hardcover
32 pages, Ages 8 to Adult
ISBN-13: 978-1-934066-13-3
ISBN-10: 1-934066-13-3
Learn more from the publisher about this book ...
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