Hanging out with the cool gal
In this world, it can be a little tricky to meet people you connect with. Finding those kindred spirits? What a rare gift. I can’t say how blessed I feel that my path crossed with Stephanie Giese, the powerhouse behind Binkies and Briefcases, a while back through this blogging world. Steph is a breath of fresh air with her realism, kindness and wicked smartness. She’s a true friend, and there is no one I would rather be planning this Blog U Conference with.
Steph never fails to impress me. Most recently, she is hitting it out of the ballpark with her new children’s book, The Cookie Jar Parable. She tells you all about the book and the sweet, personal story and prayer of how it came to be here, but in short, she wrote this book to help kids process their grief after a loss in a way that makes sense to them.
As it says on the back of the book:
Elliot’s grandpa is in Heaven now, and Elliot is sad. He is a little nervous to visit Grandma’s house since Grandpa won’t be there anymore. Will she be upset? Is she lonely?
During their visit Grandma shares a special story with Elliot. Her story is about a jar full of cookies that have been created to be part of a great celebration. Through “The Cookie Jar Parable” Grandma is able to help Elliot understand that it is all right to be scared of death and loss, but on the other side there is a wonderful celebration waiting for us.
This book is perfect for my kids. At 2 and 4, they are only starting to get that their Grandma is “gone”. My 4 yr. old son is working really hard on the concept of “death” and “Heaven”, and anything that can help us with this would be, in the most literal sense of the word, a Godsend.
The meaning of the books translates well into different faiths, and is full of colorful illustrations to appeal to young ones. Also, it’s only 6″x7″, so it’s great for small hands and for throwing in a backpack.
I’m so thrilled with this book! Thanks to Steph for creating such cool tool to help us parents as we navigate through a more difficult piece of this world with our kiddos.
Check it out on Amazon (you can preorder now and it will be available for sale on 1/28/14), enter below to win one of 2 signed copies below. As long as you are 18 or older and a resident of the continental U.S., you are good to go!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Stephanie says
awwww…thank so much for helping me share my book. Love you!
Meredith says
Steph, you should be so proud of this! We read it 5 times yesterday and my kids love it!
Kathy Radigan says
I love the idea of this book!! I recently lost my aunt, who was very important to me and my children. It was very hard finding books on grief that were comforting and on point without being too scary. Thanks so much, crossing my fingers and toes to win the giveaway!! Congratulations!!!
Meredith says
Kathy, I am sorry to hear about your aunt, and after reading this a ton with my kids, I truly think this is an awesome tool to help explain–and handle the scary without being scary. Thanks for entering!
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
Looks so cute! Grief is so hard to discuss with children. Anything that can help them understand and make is easier for them is wonderful!
Meredith says
Exactly, Lisa! Thanks so much for checking this out 🙂
WhenCrazyMeetsExhaustion says
My 4.5 y/o has been asking about Heaven a lot lately, and my almost-3-y/o told me she saw an angel the other night. As we haven’t lost anyone since either of the kids was born, I can’t help but wonder if this is a sign that something is imminent. Is that morbid? I didn’t mean it to be! My husband’s grandfather is 89 and in bad shape, so I’m sure that’s what has spurred the questions, but regardless: this book is essential for families who want to explain the aftermath of death. EXCELLENT, Steph!!! Now gimme gimme! xo
Meredith says
Our boys are the same age, Steph, and it’s a big topic around here too right now. My mother was a tremendous believer in angels and their messages for us. Whatever is on the horizon, your kiddos are blessed to have such a cool mama to help them navigate through…
Johi Kokjohn-Wagner says
Congrats Stephanie! This looks like a wonderful story!
Meredith says
Thanks for checking it out, Johi!
AnnMarie says
What a great idea for a book! When Rocco died, there wasn’t much out there to help my kids understand. I’d want a copy for Gia so that she could understand. Leo’s dad passed away before the kids were born and it’s always so difficult to try to explain it all to them. On a side note, I am so in the dark with everyone. What is this Blog U Conference? (I’ll click on the link to see)
Meredith says
Yes, AnnMarie, this book would be great for Gia. And please, please, please come to Blog U!!
Frugalistablog says
I’m so proud of Stephanie! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
Meredith says
She’s amazing!
Nikki says
Such an important topic to address. Love the cookie jar analogy.
Meredith says
Works so well with kids and is just perfect, Nikki!
Cynthia Gabriele Sprouts Consignment Boutique says
I have followed Stephanie because of you & happy to say that she has allowed me to carry her book in my boutique: Sprouts Consignment Boutique. I should have 10 books sometime next week, stop in & pick up a copy of this great children’s book. Grief/loss is the hardest thing to explain to children wether it is a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling or pet. Thank you for another wonderful connection, Meredith!!
Meredith says
Here’s to yet another terrific item for sale at Sprouts!
Suzanne says
With impending elderly family members, this book would be great for son when tragedy eventually strikes.
Meredith says
Such a sweet book to help guide and comfort our little ones, Suzanne!
Paige Kellerman says
Super proud of Steph! The amount of work that goes into a children’s book is immense, but she’s a trooper. And you’re lovely as always, but we already knew that…;)
Meredith says
You flatter and I adore you–but Steph truly is the best!
Amy - Funny Is Family says
My kids, 4 and 6, have experienced loss in their lives, and books on grief and death were so very helpful for them, and for me. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book from one of my favorite writers!
Meredith says
Amy, here’s to cheering on Steph with this very cool book! Thank you!
Nancy says
It looks like a lovely book to share with my kids when we have a death in the family.
Meredith says
A wonderful resource to have for sure, Nancy.
Erika says
Never too old of a child to read a book about death and grief and I think my elem-age children would still learn a lot. We still have a living grandma, but at 88, we never know how much longer she will be with us. Would love a copy!
Meredith says
I think your boys would love it, Erika–it works on a lot of different levels. I know you, my teacher friend, would pull so much out of it!
WriterMom Angela says
Bloggy friends are the best, and this sounds like not only a great friendship but a great book!
Meredith says
I feel so blessed to have Steph (and her writing work!) in my life, Angela! Thanks for tuning in 🙂
heather says
I want to win this for my friends child.
Meredith says
Would be such a great gift, Heather!