How Do You Explain Loss to a Child? Annie F. Downs New Book Has a Beautiful Answer

“There is good news even in sad stories.” Wow, pretty profound for a kid’s book.

In the face of unimaginable loss, finding ways to help young children understand and process grief can feel impossible. Bestselling author and podcaster Annie F. Downs and her sister, Tatum Green, have co-authored a powerful children’s book titled Where Did TJ Go?, which handles the heavy topic of losing a baby sibling.

But what makes this book stand out, is the gospel and hope-filled message of seeing your loved ones again in heaven. 

Tatum Green faced the devastating loss of her infant son, TJ, and sought a way to explain this tragedy to her older son, Sam. Annie F. Downs, moved by her sister’s grief and the need to comfort Sam, wrote a story that imagines the experiences of a child in heaven.

 

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“I’m driving and crying and dictating into the phone. It was the easiest story I ever found. I absolutely would say it felt like a divine download.” | Annie F. Downs

Their combined perspectives as an aunt and a mother who have walked through this exact kind of grief makes this story that much more powerful. In a world where loss can often feel insurmountable, this book serves as a gentle reminder that even the youngest hearts can find comfort in the promise of heaven.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” | Romans 8:28 (NLT)

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