About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing the departure of a close friend, neighbor, or classmate. It is specifically designed to help children navigate the complex grief of a 'living goodbye' where a loved one moves away but stays in their heart. Through the beautiful metaphor of sandcastles and the changing tides, the story validates the sadness of separation while offering a resilient path forward. As the two main characters spend their final day together on the beach, they learn that while the physical structures they build may wash away, the memories and the foundation of their friendship remain permanent. This book is developmentally perfect for children aged 4 to 8, providing a gentle vocabulary for loss and change without being overly heavy. It is an essential tool for parents who want to normalize feelings of sadness while fostering hope for future connections.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with the 'grief of moving' in a secular, direct way. While it uses the metaphor of the ocean, the reality of the move is not obscured. The resolution is realistic: the friend still leaves, but the emotional connection remains intact.
