News
October 12, 2025
'Grief is love': Tasmanian book teaching children the language of grief
What is Grief? aims to break the silence over pain and sadness.
Tasmanian author, Gabrielle Tozer, is hoping to change the way children understand and express grief with her new book, *What is Grief?*. The beautifully illustrated book aims to open up conversations around loss and sadness, offering children a gentle and accessible language to navigate complex emotions.
Published this month, *What is Grief?* directly tackles the often-avoided subject with simple explanations and comforting imagery. Tozer, a celebrated author known for her young adult fiction, felt a need to create a resource that could help children, and the adults in their lives, understand that grief is a natural and valid emotion. The book doesn't shy away from the pain associated with loss, but reframes it within the context of love and connection.
"Grief is love," Tozer emphasizes in the book, a sentiment that resonates throughout its pages. By connecting grief to the love that existed before the loss, Tozer hopes to destigmatize the feeling and allow children to process their sadness in a healthy and supportive way.
The book's creation stems from a recognized gap in available resources. Adults often struggle to explain grief to children, resorting to euphemisms or avoidance, which can leave youngsters feeling confused and isolated. *What is Grief?* provides a starting point for these difficult conversations, offering a vocabulary for expressing feelings like sadness, anger, and confusion.
Early reviews praise the book's sensitive and empathetic approach. Educators and grief counselors are already highlighting its potential as a valuable tool in schools and therapy settings. The illustrations, carefully chosen to complement the text, further enhance the book's accessibility, making it easier for children to connect with the emotions being discussed.
Tozer hopes *What is Grief?* will empower children to understand that feeling sad after a loss is normal and that it's okay to talk about their feelings. By breaking the silence around grief, she aims to foster a more supportive and understanding environment for children experiencing loss, reminding them that they are not alone and that their feelings are valid. The book is now available at local bookstores and online retailers.
Published this month, *What is Grief?* directly tackles the often-avoided subject with simple explanations and comforting imagery. Tozer, a celebrated author known for her young adult fiction, felt a need to create a resource that could help children, and the adults in their lives, understand that grief is a natural and valid emotion. The book doesn't shy away from the pain associated with loss, but reframes it within the context of love and connection.
"Grief is love," Tozer emphasizes in the book, a sentiment that resonates throughout its pages. By connecting grief to the love that existed before the loss, Tozer hopes to destigmatize the feeling and allow children to process their sadness in a healthy and supportive way.
The book's creation stems from a recognized gap in available resources. Adults often struggle to explain grief to children, resorting to euphemisms or avoidance, which can leave youngsters feeling confused and isolated. *What is Grief?* provides a starting point for these difficult conversations, offering a vocabulary for expressing feelings like sadness, anger, and confusion.
Early reviews praise the book's sensitive and empathetic approach. Educators and grief counselors are already highlighting its potential as a valuable tool in schools and therapy settings. The illustrations, carefully chosen to complement the text, further enhance the book's accessibility, making it easier for children to connect with the emotions being discussed.
Tozer hopes *What is Grief?* will empower children to understand that feeling sad after a loss is normal and that it's okay to talk about their feelings. By breaking the silence around grief, she aims to foster a more supportive and understanding environment for children experiencing loss, reminding them that they are not alone and that their feelings are valid. The book is now available at local bookstores and online retailers.
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