In Henry the Heron Teaches Me About Grief, a heron’s migration provides an engaging metaphor for grieving children. Geared to four through eight year-olds, this book centers on a biblical perspective of eternal life with Jesus (John 3:16). Lively watercolors depict sweeping landscapes and flying herons as a boy processes his grief.
Storyline
Expressed in rhyming verse, this first-person narrative follows a young boy as he befriends a heron in his new neighborhood. The boy creates an imaginary friendship with the heron and learns about migration. After the death of his grandmother, the boy experiences grief and discovers a comforting metaphor in Henry the heron’s migration.
Abigail Porter’s illustrations of a child’s grief experience echo the poignant emotions expressed in Kristina Lunde’s rhymes. Written for children, and the adults who help them process grief, this picture book presents concepts of death and heaven from a Bible-based perspective. As the boy begins to understand his grief, he compares and contrasts death with the migration of a heron.
Grief Support
The pacing of the book’s content offers discussion opportunities geared to the child’s level of understanding and interest. Beyond serious depictions of grief, whimsical illustrations and the boy’s imagination offer many ideas for lighthearted conversations. For example, a child not yet ready to discuss grief might focus on the humorous heron illustrations.
When working with grieving children, experts suggest being open to discuss grief concepts whenever children are ready. In this book, the story line and varied illustrations present many topics, ranging from silly to serious. Children may want to discuss grief or a cheerful topic like the boy’s imagination—or both. Henry the Heron Teaches Me About Grief is a picture book designed to introduce grieving children to God’s comfort.
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