Children's Books to Open Grief Conversations with Diane Namm

What this episode covers

Diane Namm is a book author with over 65 titles (children's, YA, and non-fiction adult). Her most recent picture book What Happens After? is about losing someone you love, respecting the grieving process, and finding a way forward. Kirkus Reviews describes it as "A simple, emotionally effective exploration of loss. https://www.instagram.com/dianenamm/ https://www.amazon.com/What-Happens-After-Diane-Namm/dp/B0DNF5988R https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221620126-what-happens-after https://www.dianenamm.com [https://www.dianenamm.com/] Brief List of Topics in the Podcast: * Children's Author Perspective: Diane Namm, author of over 65 titles, shares her journey from working as a children's book editor in New York to writing full-time in Los Angeles. * Dual Audience Approach: Her picture book, What Happens After, is written for the "dual audience response" of both children and adults, serving as a "hug" and a conversation starter. * The Power of Direct Language: The book intentionally avoids common euphemisms (like "passed on") and uses the clear word "dies" to address the "elephant in the room" directly, providing a clear springboard for discussion. * Validating Grief: Diane used the writing process as a cathartic experience to validate big feelings for children and emphasize that there is no timeline or deadline for mourning. * Honoring Legacy: The discussion focuses on how to keep the person in your life by incorporating memories into holidays and routines, stressing the real value in not forgetting them. * Pre-Loss Reading: A key takeaway is the value of reading the book with loved ones before they die to gather information (like favorite songs or memories) that helps children know how to honor the loved one later. To be on the newsletter subscribe on the website https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/ To contact Kendra Rinaldi email her at [email protected]