Kristina Lunde

The Lord is my strength and my song.
Psalm 118:14a

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May 22, 2025 by Kristina Lunde Leave a Comment

Book Launch: Henry the Heron Teaches Me About Grief

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.

Filed Under: Books Tagged With: Bible, book, children, death, grief, heron, Jesus, launch, migration

March 30, 2025 by Kristina Lunde Leave a Comment

Writing a Children’s Book on Death and Grief

A children’s book about grief. That’s what I wanted for my six and eight year-old children when their father—my husband—died twenty years ago. How could I explain the absence of their father and the permanence of his death? Living that grievous reality, how could I emphasize the truth of Jesus Christ and our hope of heaven? I talked about these concepts with my children and we read different books, especially the Bible. But heaven seemed a long way off after our beloved Daddy suddenly disappeared from everyday life.

Illustration & Photo by Abigail Porter

My soon-to-be-released book, Henry the Heron Teaches me About Grief, presents truths about death, grief, and faith in Jesus. I wrote this picture book for grieving children—and for the adults who love them. The book relays the story through Abigail Porter’s heartwarming illustrations. Whimsical visual details provide ideas for conversation starters. The illustrations offer opportunities to either lighten the topic or discuss it further, when the child is ready.

Dying is not a fun or easy topic for a children’s book. Even with playful illustrations, a book on death can be challenging to present at a child’s level. The facts about death need to be presented in straightforward language appropriate for the child’s level of development. The finality of death is difficult for children to understand. Children, and likewise adults, need time to recognize and mourn the absence of their deceased loved one.

Biblical truths can help children better understand life and death. God’s Word presents the most important truth about life: salvation is found in Jesus alone (Romans 10:9). With that foundation, children can accept God’s promise of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus (John 3:16). Eternal life is the outcome of knowing the one true God and believing in His son Jesus Christ (John 17:3). The earthly physical death we all face as humans is a tough reality check, even for adults. As believers in Christ, we hold onto the certainty of eternal life after our earthly death (1 John 5:11-12).

A children’s book that addresses death needs to address grief, the feelings that come after a loved one dies. In processing grief, both children and adults may experience a variety of emotions. Children may describe it as actual pain. Crying, feeling bad, and wondering how long grief lasts are common aspects of grief. Funerals, mourning rituals, and conversations provide opportunities to honor and remember the deceased loved one. When and if children are ready, involve them in these activities to help them process their grief. Adults can role-model how reminiscing about a loved one can be both sad and comforting.

Heron Photo by Cheri Sowatski

Although I did find some good children’s grief books, I finally wrote the book that I would have wanted. My idea started when I saw a great blue heron along the upper headwaters of the Mississippi River. I enjoyed seeing him in our area all summer long. In fall, I realized that the heron had migrated.

After much thought, I wrote a story that centers on this metaphor from God’s creation. Together, the heron’s migration and his inevitable return parallel how believers in Christ will see each other in heaven. The certainty of God’s created order demonstrates this concept of reunion. My story shows a boy’s progress through grief as he recognizes truths about death in God’s creation. I pray that God uses this book to comfort grieving children—and the adults who love them.

Filed Under: Books Tagged With: book, children, death, grief, heron, migration

October 1, 2017 by Kristina Lunde Leave a Comment

Aunt Madelyn – Aging Advice from a Spunky 97 Year Old

Dear Aunt Madelyn,

We enjoyed visiting you last weekend at the rehab facility. I hope that your hip heals quickly and that you will be back to living in your own home soon. Thank you for sharing your spunk and perseverance, because you inspire me.

“What is my purpose?” you asked. That is a question I have wrestled with myself. What is God’s role for us on this earth? At times that is obvious, like taking care of our children or doing the task at hand to help someone. At other times, we struggle to understand the what and why of our existence. I think that sometimes God asks us to be obedient, even though we don’t understand the purpose or outcome.

Thank you for the many ways you gave us joy and meaning during our visit. Do you realize that you are the family historian, as the only living member of your generation? The story you shared about your nephew Craig’s adorable mispronunciation as a young child, which brought nostalgic memories for your nephews Craig and his brother Bruce. That story and the other memories you shared were a precious gift, enabling them to remember their grandparents, parents and childhood.

The recipe information you gave Bruce’s wife Gail answered several questions she had about family and holiday recipes. The details you described were very helpful, and your sharp memory is much appreciated.

“There’s the lady with the beautiful voice!” announced one of the facility’s volunteers who stopped by to see you. She spoke of how she enjoyed hearing you sing at church. Your response was apologetic, saying you had to give up choir at age 90, when your voice wasn’t as good as it used to be. What a talent that you could sing in church choir until 90 – and that you still sing with the congregation.

“I’m ready to go,” you commented. Your peace with God came across in the conversations the five of us shared. You expressed no fear about leaving this earth. Instead, your reliance on God is obvious, and your faith-based outlook is a great role model. The flower baskets and many cards, propped up on every available surface of your room, were evidence of many relationships with people who love you – and probably are not ready to see you go.

Thanks again, Aunt Madelyn, for visiting with us and spending time teaching us. You motivated me to find meaning in the life God gave me, use my talents to serve God, and trust God for His timing on the length of my life.

Happy 98th Birthday next month, dear Aunt Madelyn!

 

Filed Under: Letter Tagged With: aging, death, role model

Recent Writing

  • Book Launch: Henry the Heron Teaches Me About Grief
  • Children Pray in Worship to God
  • Writing a Children’s Book on Death and Grief
  • God’s Way to a New Year’s Refresh
  • Sadiversary Book Launch: God’s Comfort in Grief

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