Professional Recommendations
“Sands is delighted to recommend this special book.”
“Where are You Lydie?” is a beautifully illustrated exploration of the death of a sibling for children of all ages. The matter of fact conversations which touch on profound issues and then bounce back to “What’s for tea?”, so typical of children, are beautifully captured and provide a safe and inspiring space for children and adults alike to explore bereavement.
Sands is delighted to recommend this special book, which will support families experiencing bereavement of any type and will have an extra special place for those families who have lost a baby before, during or shortly after birth.”
— Jen Coates, Director of Bereavement Support, Sands
“A helpful read for families who have lost a baby through miscarriage too.”
“A beautifully illustrated storybook for children who have been affected by the loss of a sibling. The book is written from the experience of stillbirth, but is a helpful read for families who have lost a baby through miscarriage too.
It’s an honest, sensitive and comforting story about two brothers trying to decide what to do, on what would have been their sister Lydie’s first birthday.
A beautiful, engaging and sensitive book, to help make something so hard to talk to children about a little easier - and which would bring comfort to adults reading it too.”
Read the A/W 2020 newsletter recommending Where are you Lydie? READ HERE
“A helpful read for families who have lost a baby. Warm and beautifully illustrated picture book for children about sibling loss and bereavement to support families through the grief of baby loss.”
“Lovely, Beautiful and Moving.”
“I will be highly recommending this beautifully written and illustrated book to bereaved women and families. What a wonderful resource you have created Emma, congratulations.”
“A bright and heart-warming book to support bereaved siblings and their families. Whether their brother or sister died before or after birth, in infancy or later in childhood, we believe cuddling up together with this beautiful book during difficult conversations could be very helpful.”
— SUDC UK is a charity dedicated to raising awareness, fund raising and bringing together families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (affecting children aged 1-18 years). If you have been affected by sudden unexpected or unexplained death in childhood please visit www.sudc.org.uk and find ‘Where are you Lydie’ on their resources page (https://sudc.org.uk/siblingresources/).
We would advise anyone that wishes to understand more about childhood bereavement to read this lovely, beautifully illustrated book.
A beautiful and thoughtfully written book which facilitates open discussion with young children who have experienced the death of a baby. It is very much written from a child’s perspective with the characteristic ‘puddle-jumping’ that is so typical in bereaved children.
It has been read by our whole team and we have recommended it as a fantastic resource for our volunteer Grief Support Workers. We would advise anyone that wishes to understand more about childhood bereavement to read this lovely, beautifully illustrated book.
— Balloons (Devon) - providing pre and post bereavement support for children/young people in Exeter, Mid and East Devon.
“Where are you Lydie? Is a beautifully illustrated book talking about the importance of remembering someone after they have died.”
“Even though Lydie did not live for very long, she is very much part of the family and this book really shows how children express their grief differently and how it changes over time. Talking about someone who has died helps to make sense of what has happened and as shown in this book, clear explanations can help children to understand what that means to them. This story shows the importance of having space and creative ways for children to express how they are feeling in their grief.”
— Winston’s Wish
“Where Are You Lydie? is a touching and sensitive story that will help support children dealing with the loss of a sibling. This is a difficult subject to deal with but this book provides hope and a safe space in which to explore feelings and emotions. Where Are You Lydie is recommended by @sandscharity, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.”
“This beautiful book by Emma Poore fills a much needed gap relating to sibling loss and child bereavement - Emma’s daughter Lydie died four days before she was born.”
“The book is an open and tender exploration of Lydie’s presence and absence, written for a young audience (but helpful for any age). I particularly admired the way Lydie is embraced as always part of a family but that she is thought of as complex and dynamic and in some ways unknowable.
This is a wonderful, important book - accessible but without platitudes or simplification. It is endorsed by Sands Charity”.
— Sophie Ratcliffe, The Library of Loss
“The book is absolutely beautifully illustrated, so thoughtfully written and in my opinion essential for bereaved children to have this space to openly talk about death and grief.”
“Emma decided to write this wonderful book after her baby Lydie sadly died 4 days before she was born. Although other books explored death, there was nothing specific for her son George who was 3 years old at the time. Sibling loss is often the ‘forgotten loss’ but this book sensitively answers those questions that may come up after the death of a baby in a safe, calm space.
The book also teaches us as adults what it may be like for children when a baby sibling dies. It also lets children know that it’s ok for joy and grief to coexist and normalises lots of feelings they may have. The book is absolutely beautifully illustrated, so thoughtfully written and in my opinion essential for bereaved children to have this space to openly talk about death and grief.
The book is endorsed by Sands Charity and many others. Emma thank you so much for opening my eyes on a personal level to your loss and having the courage to write this book. You are an inspiration!”
— Ella Tansey, Your Grief Guide
““Where are you Lydie?” is such a lovely book for children who have lost a sibling and is so beautifully written and illustrated. We would totally recommend this book for families to help them have those sometimes difficult conversations with siblings after a loss. It is a beautiful book, and we would like to thank Emma for taking her loss and turning it into a positive and such a wonderful resource for families.”
“A platform to explore the thoughts, questions, and concerns of young grieving hearts.”
“Emma Poore @emmapooreauthor is the author and illustrator of “Where are you Lydie?” – a beautiful and engaging children’s grief book honouring her daughter Lydie and her family’s bereavement journey through the eyes of her young sons, George and Henry. The sweet, hand-drawn illustrations and innocent conversations between brothers George and Henry give this charming book a platform to explore the thoughts, questions, and concerns of young grieving hearts.
Where are you Lydie? Can young Henry fly up in a rocket to see her? Is she a special kind of fairy in a beautiful magic land? Is she a little angel up in the stars? Brothers George and Henry share that Lydie is gone. She died.
On a quest to find happiness in their sadness they decide to make something special cake and a happy card for their sister on her birthday. Daddy always says, “Lydie isn’t here, but she is still part of our family.” And Mummy says, “Lydie will always be your big sister Henry and your little sister George. She will live in our hearts forever.”
This heartfelt book was written for siblings and children ages 3 to 7 years old. I look forward to sharing “Where are you Lydie?” in my children’s grief group and using it as a platform to for discussions, as well as fun and creative activities, like planning a “super-duper” birthday party for our loved ones who have died.
I am delighted to recommend this special book, which will undoubtedly provide tender support and hope for bereaved families navigating loss of a loved one, especially those families who have lost a baby.”
— Suzanne Tovey – Child Life Grief Notes (USA) Child life specialist/ certified Child and Adolescent Grief Counsellor/ Hospice and Paediatric palliative care volunteer.
“What a beautiful resource for families.”
“Really smart and full of love.”
“A heart-breaking facet of baby loss is the experience of siblings. This book helps to start the conversation with children, and does so with no religious agenda or one definitive ‘fairy-tale’ about what happens when we die.
It’s open to interpretation and gives children a sense of how different adults approach the topic. Really smart and full of love. And in memory of Lydie, a much-loved baby girl. It’s great, @emmapooreauthor and so beautifully illustrated.”
— Grace Timothy - Beauty Editor and Author of "Mum Face" and "Lost in Motherhood" HarperCollins 2018.
"An incredibly insightful journey allowing children and siblings to explore love and loss in the search for their sibling and understanding grief.
Such a valuable resource for many families and one I will be recommending to students, health professionals and families alike"
— Steph, Founder of Beyond Bea Charity and Registered Midwife.
“A welcome support for those supporting children after sibling loss and beyond.”
“The heartache of losing a brother or sister is overwhelming, confusing and raises many questions from young children. Questions which parents are unprepared for and find extremely difficult to answer in such incomprehensible circumstances. Questions that can come out of nowhere, seem unrelated but which are so real and relevant for children and how they cope with the loss of their sibling.
‘Where are you Lydie?’ helps siblings understand and relate to complex feelings in a straightforward and positive way. Siblings can sometimes be overlooked but need special consideration at this time and therefore, there is a real need for a book that helps parents, professionals and other family members facilitate talking to children about the death of a sibling. This beautifully illustrated book by Emma Poore addresses those needs and it will be a welcome support for those supporting children after sibling loss and beyond.”
— Vicky Lord MSc.,Dip MT. Child & Adolescent Therapist
“A beautiful book…helping us all talk to children and siblings about the loss of a baby.”
“The book is lovely… aimed at younger children which is sometimes the most difficult age to explain death to.”
”The book is lovely. On my local neonatal unit it is just in the process of the charity group deciding if we will order more copies.
I think it is good as aimed at younger children which is sometimes the most difficult age to explain death to.
I have also shown it to my friend who lost her baby at 26 weeks gestation and has two other children. She really liked the fact that there is no clear place that Lydie is and it's describing where some people say she is and really it's up to the children to decide where they feel she is.”
— Emily Wilkins, NICU nurse, St Peter's Hospital
“Beautiful book... Emma wrote this book for bereaved siblings and it is just so beautiful and gentle.”
“A True and Uplifting Story, for Young Children about LOVE, LOSS and HOPE.”
“It’s Lydie’s birthday today but she’s not here.”
“In this honest and heartfelt story two brothers go on an emotional journey to find a way to connect with their baby sister.”
I get numerous family members, message me trying to find children’s books that will help children in the grieving process.
It seems a taboo subject and not many DECENT books to find, we are trying to change that. Where are you LYDIE? Comes from the heart, a TRUE STORY, self-published with the endorsement of Sands Charity - Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity.
Author Emma Poore @emmapooreauthor has a LOT to offer, not only this terrific book (which you can buy from her website) but Emma’s website has a lot to offer too, please go to www.emmapoore.co.uk
Emma has written and illustrated a very SPECIAL book, she has put a lot of HEART and SOUL in this not only to help her own children, but other kids in the same situation. I so admire Emma and really can’t rave more about this book - to me it’s simply heart-warming and touching book of positive - ness and feelings”
— Kids Books We Love
“A wonderful book.”
“A sweet and beautiful book about celebrating the life of a sibling, who has passed away.”
“I’m very honored to be able to share this special book with you. Where Are You Lydie? By Emma Poore is a sweet and beautiful book about celebrating the life of a sibling, who has passed away.
Brothers, Henry and Georgie, remember their sister, Lydie. They wonder where she might be now and they celebrate her birthday each year with balloons and a home-made cake.
I love so many things about this book, but the thing I love the most is the message: that we can continue to honour and celebrate the lives of those who love who are no longer with us. If your family has lost a loved one, this book will help you find meaningful ways to keep their memory in your life.
Approaching the topic of death with little ones is not easy, but showing them healthy ways of dealing with grief is so important for their emotional help. If you’ve recently lost someone you love, I hope this book brings you comfort.”
— Big Books for Little Hands, Picture Book reviewer and Pre-school teacher
“This insightful and honest story helps young children to understand what happens when a baby dies.”
“Bereavement Training International is delighted to recommend ‘Where are You Lydie’ a beautifully written and illustrated storybook, by Emma Poore. This insightful and honest story helps young children to understand what happens when a baby dies. A fantastic resource for young children, professionals and bereaved parents.
Emma has been a guest presenter at many of our training sessions, sharing her family’s story and telling us about her daughter, Lydie, through the eyes of her two brothers. Hearing directly from a parent about her own lived experience is always, without exception, the most highly evaluated part of the training. Emma’s desire and passion to help other families who have had a similar experience, always shines through as she tells Lydie’s story. Emma is able to bring each page of the book alive as she encourages parents and siblings to talk about their baby, and to remember they will always be a part of their family.”
— Paula Abramson, Founder and Principal Bereavement Training International
“This is a beautifully written and illustrated book to support families as they navigate life following the death of a child.”
As a bereaved parent this book really resonated with me as we help our children to understand death and what it means to live each day without their sibling. The gentle language in the book highlights the need for us to be clear and honest with children about death. I loved that Henry and George work out for themselves that remembering Lydie on her birthday with a card and cake is right for them. I have recommended this book to other families to help siblings as they grieve.”
— Donna Hodges, Bodie Hodges Foundation
‘Where are you Lydie?’ Is a beautifully written & Illustrated book by Emma Poore that explores the adventures of brothers ‘George’ & ‘Henry’ on Lydie’s birthday.”
“The two brothers find ways to connect with their sister on her birthday. In one part of the book, their mum tells them that Lydie will always be their sister and she will live in their hearts forever.
A death of any kind can be incredibly scary for young children and often leads to them asking questions that can be often hard to answer. Emma’s book talks about sibling loss in a way that is not daunting or scary to children. It enables the subject to be discussed without upsetting them.”
— Shannen Bryant, Love From O
