Book Review: Everywhere, Still: A Book About Loss, Grief, and the Way Love Continues
This book takes a different approach compared to other children’s grief books. The author, M.H. Clark, chooses to focus the reader on one idea about loss rather than many. While people must unfortunately die, love goes on and we keep that love in our hearts. Therefore, our loved ones live on in our hearts. This point is central to healing from loss and sometimes overlooked.
Clark’s perspective is especially appealing to parents who may not believe in the idea of Heaven as it is traditionally conceived of by organized religion. Faith and religion are not explored in this story, making this book appropriate for all families regardless of their faith.
The author suggests that our loved ones are “far away” but, “Even though you aren’t here now, I feel you everywhere, still. And that’s when I remember that as far as you might be… It’s love that keeps me close to you and keeps you close to me.”
The narrow focus of this story makes it ideal supplementary reading for a child coping with loss. However, its limited subject matter is not sufficient to stand alone to fully meet the educational and support needs of a grieving child. Parents and caregivers will want to include resources to inform children about coping strategies and memories. This book is recommended for ages 6-8.
