Lob

Reach for this book when your child is processing the loss of a grandparent or a beloved family figure. This gentle, atmospheric story addresses the heavy ache of grief through the lens of folk magic and the changing seasons. It follows Lucy, a young girl who shares a secret bond with her grandfather and his garden helper, Lob: a legendary 'Green Man' figure who represents the life force of nature. When her grandfather passes away, Lucy must figure out if Lob can survive without him, and if her own connection to her grandfather's legacy can endure. Written with lyrical beauty, the book provides a safe, secular space to explore how love doesn't disappear, but rather changes shape. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 12 who enjoy quiet, thoughtful stories and who find comfort in the outdoors. By blending realistic grief with the magic of folklore, Newbery offers a hopeful perspective on resilience and the way we carry our loved ones with us through the things they taught us to love.