A Childs Simple Guide Through Grief by Alexis Cunningham

Grief is a labyrinth—one that even adults struggle to navigate, let alone children. In A Child’s Simple Guide Through Grief, Alexis Cunningham extends a tender, guiding hand to young readers grappling with loss, offering them a safe space to process their emotions. This book isn’t just a story; it’s a lifeline, a compassionate companion for children who may feel lost in the whirlwind of sorrow.

As someone who has witnessed the confusion and pain grief can inflict on young minds, I found Cunningham’s approach both refreshing and deeply necessary. But does it succeed in its mission? Let’s explore the book’s structure, themes, and emotional resonance in this comprehensive review.

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Without revealing major spoilers, A Child’s Simple Guide Through Grief follows a young protagonist (or multiple children, depending on interpretation) as they navigate the complex emotions that follow a significant loss—whether it be the death of a loved one, a pet, or another form of separation.

The narrative is structured in a way that mirrors the stages of grief, but it does so gently, avoiding clinical detachment. Instead, Cunningham uses relatable scenarios, metaphors, and simple language to help children understand their feelings. There are no heavy-handed lessons—just a steady, reassuring presence guiding them through sadness, anger, confusion, and eventually, acceptance.

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One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to make grief feel personal for young readers. The characters (whether fictionalized or presented as guides) are crafted with care—they ask the same questions a child might:

• “Why did this happen?”
• “Is it okay to cry?”
• “Will I ever stop feeling sad?”

Cunningham avoids oversimplifying emotions, instead validating the messy, unpredictable nature of grief. The characters don’t offer pat answers but rather companionship, showing that it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

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Cunningham’s writing is accessible without being condescending. She employs:

• Short, digestible sentences – Perfect for younger readers or those struggling to focus due to emotional distress.
• Metaphors and imagery – Comparing grief to weather (storms that pass) or a heavy backpack (that gets lighter over time) helps make abstract feelings tangible.
• Interactive elements – Some sections encourage drawing, journaling, or talking with a trusted adult, reinforcing the book’s role as an active tool rather than a passive read.

The tone is warm, never clinical, making it feel like a conversation with a caring adult rather than a textbook.

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While the central theme is grief, Cunningham subtly weaves in broader lessons:

• Emotional validation – Many children’s books rush to “fix” sadness, but this one sits with it, teaching that grief isn’t something to “get over” but to move through.
• The importance of memory – The book encourages preserving happy memories, framing them as treasures rather than sources of pain.
• Community and support – It gently nudges kids toward trusted adults, reinforcing that they don’t have to grieve alone.

These layers make it a valuable resource beyond immediate bereavement—it’s a primer on emotional resilience.

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Reading this as an adult, I was struck by how universal its messages are. Even though it’s written for children, the core truths about grief apply at any age. There were moments where I paused, reflecting on my own past losses, appreciating how Cunningham’s words could have softened those experiences had I encountered them earlier.

For children, I imagine this book serving as a flashlight in a dark room—not eliminating the darkness but helping them see enough to take the next step.

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Compared to other children’s grief books like The Invisible String by Patrice Karst or The Memory Box by Joanna Rowland, Cunningham’s guide stands out for its practicality and interactivity. While The Invisible String focuses on emotional connection and The Memory Box on memorializing, A Child’s Simple Guide Through Grief blends both while adding actionable steps for processing emotions.

It’s less abstract than some alternatives, which may make it more accessible for kids who need concrete ways to cope.

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✅ Gentle yet honest – Doesn’t shy away from hard emotions but presents them in a manageable way.
✅ Highly interactive – Encourages engagement, making it a useful tool for parents, teachers, or therapists.
✅ Inclusive – The language is broad enough to apply to different types of loss (death, divorce, moving, etc.).

⚠️ May need adult guidance – Some younger readers might struggle with certain concepts without a caregiver’s help.
⚠️ Limited cultural specificity – While universal in theme, some families may want supplemental materials that reflect their specific traditions around grief.

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• Children ages 5-12 dealing with loss (with adult support for younger readers).
• Parents, educators, and counselors looking for a resource to help kids process grief.
• Adults who appreciate reflective, tender explorations of emotion (you might find comfort here too!).

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A few lines that lingered with me:

“Grief is like a wave. Sometimes it knocks you down, but you can learn to swim.”

“It’s okay to miss someone and still laugh. Joy doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten.”

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A Child’s Simple Guide Through Grief is more than a book—it’s a companion. Alexis Cunningham has crafted something rare: a guide that respects the intelligence and emotional depth of children while giving them the tools to heal. Whether you’re a grieving child, a supportive adult, or someone who believes in the power of emotional literacy, this book belongs on your shelf.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• How do you think children’s books about grief differ from adult ones?
• What’s a metaphor you’ve used (or heard) to explain grief to a child?
• If you’ve read this book, how did it resonate with you or your family?

Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments! 💬

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