Book: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

Summary:

The Invisible String is a story about a young girl named Lucy who is struggling to cope with the death of her grandmother. She feels like her grandmother is gone forever, and she doesn’t know how to deal with her grief. One day, Lucy’s mother tells her about the invisible string. She says that even though people die, they are never really gone. They are still connected to us by an invisible string that can never be broken.

Lucy finds comfort in this idea, and she starts to imagine that her grandmother is still with her, even though she can’t see her. She talks to her grandmother, and she imagines that her grandmother is watching over her. This helps Lucy to feel less alone and to start to heal from her grief.

Critique:

The Invisible String is a beautifully written and illustrated book that can be a valuable resource for children who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The book is honest and sensitive, and it does not shy away from the difficult emotions that children may be feeling. However, it also offers hope and comfort, and it helps children to understand that they are not alone in their grief.

I would definitely recommend The Invisible String to children who are grieving. It is a gentle and supportive book that can help them to begin to heal. However, it is important to note that this book is not a substitute for professional help. If your child is struggling to cope with the death of a loved one, it is important to seek the guidance of a therapist or counselor.

Part Two: Expressive Therapy Activity

One expressive therapy activity that you can do with children who are grieving is to create a memory box. This is a safe and creative way for children to express their feelings about their loved one who has died. To create a memory box, you will need a box, some photos of the loved one, and some objects that remind the child of them. The child can then decorate the box and fill it with the photos and objects. The memory box can be a place for the child to go to when they are feeling sad or lonely. It can also be a way for them to remember their loved one and the good times they shared.

Here are some other expressive therapy activities that you can do with children who are grieving:

• Write a letter to the loved one who has died.
• Draw a picture of the loved one.
• Create a collage of photos and images that remind the child of the loved one.
• Plant a tree or flower in memory of the loved one.
• Visit the place where the loved one is buried or scattered.

These are just a few ideas. The most important thing is to find activities that are meaningful to the child and that help them to express their feelings.