Death is often perceived as an endpoint. Yet any family who has lost a child, either at birth or at some point in the child's journey towards adulthood, will acknowledge it is a beginning. The beginning of a life-long grief journey, not just for parents, but for other family members as well.

While tears often come easily, words and actions often do not. How does one explain the death of a newborn, or the death of a child in elementary school or even high school, to their brothers and/or sisters? This story invites the grieving child/children—and the adults who love them—through a two-day grief camp experience for children.

The three turtles meet at camp. They have each lost a sister. Snappy's teenage sister, Sarah, died. Speedy's newborn sister Harper died. And Shelly's young sister Layla died too. Through the experience of numerous camp activities and discussions, the three turtles become friends. They learn in the process that while remembering can make them sad, it can also help them to laugh and be happy too. Speedy learns even though he didn't get to create memories with his sister, he can use his heart and mind to imagine what life would be like with her. As camp ends, the three friends realize they will always carry their sisters with them, in their hearts and minds.

This book includes many recommended techniques siblings can use to honor and remember their sister. These activities allow the adult(s) and child/children to feel their grief through sharing openly about various grief topics, looking back at memories, and creating tangible remembrances. In time, through the sacred sharing of grief, they will also begin to heal together.

About the Author:

Kim Vesey is a registered nurse and certified spiritual director who has worked in the hospice field for 35 years. In addition to caring for many patients, Kim has also suffered unexpected personal losses that included her husband, her father, and her daughter, Sarah, who left behind her three-year-old son, Warren. Kim, who is also mother to son, Patrick, resides in Beavercreek, Ohio. What Cloud Is My Sister In? is Vesey’s fifth book in a planned series of children’s books on grief.

In 2021, Vesey was honored for her work in What Cloud is My Mommy In?, the first in her series of children's grief-related books, by Christian Indie Awards, Children's Books, ages 4-8. 

Publisher: ‎ Westbow Press (June 17, 2022)
Language: ‎ English
Paperback: ‎ 47 pages
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1664253780
Reading age: ‎ 4 - 7 years
Grade level: ‎ 2 - 3
Item Weight: ‎ 6.1 ounces
Dimensions: ‎ 8.5 x 0.12 x 11 inches