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Doris Stickney

Water Bugs and Dragonflies Explaining Death to Children

"Water Bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Children" by Doris Stickney is a sensitive and comforting book that helps children understand the concept of death. Through the story of water bugs that transform into dragonflies, Stickney presents a metaphor for the transition from life to death. The book explains that although water bugs may seem to disappear, they are actually transforming and continuing to exist in a different form. The book is written in a simple and clear style, making it accessible to children as young as four years old. The illustrations, by Betty Fraser, are colorful and engaging, helping to bring the story to life. The book also includes a helpful afterword for adults, providing guidance on how to use the book to talk to children about death. One of the strengths of "Water Bugs and Dragonflies" is its gentle and reassuring tone. Stickney acknowledges the sadness and difficulty of losing a loved one, but also emphasizes the beauty and mystery of the transformation that occurs after death. The book encourages children to remember and celebrate the life of the person who has died, and to find comfort in the idea that they are still connected in a spiritual sense. Overall, "Water Bugs and Dragonflies" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to help children come to terms with death. It provides a framework for understanding and discussing the concept in a way that is both honest and hopeful. Whether used in a therapeutic setting or read at home with family, this book can help children feel less alone and more at peace with the natural cycle of life and death.