Love Lives on: Finding Hope and Healing After the Loss of a Loved One

A gentle, honest picture book that helps children navigate grief, tough questions, and the loss of a loved one

Summer used to mean cousins, cobblers, and dance parties at Grammie and Papa's house. For Will, it was the best time of the year. But when an unthinkable tragedy takes his cousin, summer changes, and so does Will's whole world. He's scared. He's confused. He wants to know why bad things happen to people we love. This tender story follows Will as he learns that grief doesn't have easy answers, but it does have room for honesty, comfort, and hope.

Written and illustrated with warmth, this book shows real, relatable conversations kids and parents have after a loss. When Will admits he's scared, his dad tells him it's okay to feel that way, because he's scared too. When Will asks Papa why this had to happen, Papa gives an honest answer: we don't always understand why bad things happen. And when Will hears the words "love lives on" at his cousin's funeral, he finds a simple way to keep his cousin's memory close. This is a story that helps children process grief and anxiety after loss, and helps parents, educators, and counselors know what to say when there are no perfect words.

Key features:

• addresses childhood grief with honesty and warmth doesn't shy away from hard emotions like fear, confusion, and sadness, helping kids feel less alone in their grief
• models healthy conversations about loss shows parents and caregivers responding to a grieving child with validation instead of easy answers or false comfort
• introduces a comforting mantra for loss "love lives on" gives children a simple, meaningful way to hold onto memories of someone they've lost
• perfect for families, classrooms, and counseling sessions ideal for grief support groups, school counselor sessions, family read-alouds, and conversations after the loss of a loved one
• trusted publisher from Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development

Author: Dorena Williamson
Publisher: Magination Press (R) -- American Psychologica
Published: 08/04/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 10.10h x 8.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781433849541
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 07/01/2026 pg. 79

About the Author
Williamson, Dorena: - Dorena Williamson is the author of eight children's books. She and her husband are the parents of four and love their newest role as grandparents. She lives in Smyrna, TN.Latese, Ana: - Ana Latese is inspired by vibrant colors and Black joy. Her passion is to illustrate worlds where Black and Brown children are seen, heard, valued, and validated. She lives in Raleigh, NC.