Remembering Ethan
Lesléa Newman, Author
Tracy Bishop, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Apr. 7, 2020
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Death, Sibling, Loss, Grief, Family relationships, Healing, Hope
Opening: My big brother Ethan was so tall, he had to duck his head when he walked through the front door. My big brother was so handsome, somebody once thought he was a movie star and asked for his autograph.
Book Jacket Synopsis:
Ethan. Ethan. Ethan. Sarah misses her adored big brother with all her heart. She wants to celebrate all the fun times she and her parents spent with him. But ever since Ethan died, Mommy and Daddy won’t mention him. Sarah can’t even say his name without upsetting them.
Why don’t they want to remember Ethan?
Why I like this book:
In this time of the COVID 19 pandamic, Lesléa Newman’s picture book is a timely one to share with readers who may be searching for books to help their children and themselves deal with with the loss of a loved one. That is why I’m sharing it today.
Newman’s delicate perspective on Remembering Ethan shows the heartbreaking impact of the loss of a sibling on a younger child. Sarah tries to cope with the death of her big brother with little support from her grieving parents.
The story is told from Sarah’s viewpoint, which is quite powerful as it gives voice to her feelings. She is sad, but she wants to talk about all her happy memories of Ethan! She wants to say his name out loud. She wants to write his name. She wants to draw happy pictures of Ethan and hang them on the refrigerator. She is angry that her efforts upset her parents. In desperation, Sarah stomps upstairs to Ethan’s room and shouts, “Doesn’t anyone but Buttons and me even remember Ethan?”
Grief is tricky and I applaud the author for sharing Sarah’s family’s first reaction to dealing with their loss. It highlights how each family member finds coping mechanisms when they are overwhelmed with grief. I observed a very similar situation in our family, when a grandson died. Sharing memories is an important way for children to keep favorite memories and stories of a lost sibling or loved one near them.
Tracy Bishops beautiful illustrations are in soft pastels. They are expressive, comforting, and hopeful.
Resources: This book is a wonderful resource. Make sure you check out Note to Readers at the end of the book provides valuable information to parents, caregivers, and teachers about the many different ways to deal with childhood grief. The information will touch the entire family and help them through a rough time.
Lesléa Newman has created over 70 books for readers of all ages, including A Letter to Harvey Milk; October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard; I Carry My Mother; The Boy Who Cried Fabulous; Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed;Heather Has Two Mommies; Sparkle Boy; and Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story. Visit Newman at her website or on Twitter @lesleanewman.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Children's Books Heal 
So many times adults are so wrapped up in their grief, understandably, that the needs of grieving siblings are overlooked. This is such a good idea for a book.
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Yes, I was thrilled when I read this book. I thought it was interesting how the child reached her parents and they realized that their daughter was struggling. It’s interesting how everyone deals with grief.
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I love Leslea’s books. This looks like another good one. Thanks for sharing it, Pat.
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Yes, it is an excellent book –particularly for families dealing with the loss of loved ones to COVID 19.
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I remember when my father passed away. The way in which each family member grieved couldn’t have been more different. My daughter, who was about seven at the time, dragged a chair behind the living room drapes and cried in hysterics while consoling herself by singing Christmas carols, I took to my computer and wrote letters to my dad, my husband stayed in his woodworking room in the basement and distracted himself by turning wooden pens on his lathe for many days, my sister filled her garden with flowers. When the library opens, I’ll make it a point to check out this book. Thank you for sharing Remembering Ethan today.
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This is a special book for families with young children! This is a special book for families with young children!You could write a book on your varied expeirence. It is fascinating how each family member copes with loss. I have dealt with a lot of loss in the past 11 years. I grieve, but I’m also the person who observes and looks for the moments of grace in what is happening.
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Such a difficult topic and important book! Thank you for sharing it.
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Thank you for commenting. There are never enough grief books out there for kids and families.
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This sounds like a wonderful and timely book, Patricia. Thanks for sharing it with us. So true how we all grieve differently, and it’s important to for kids to see this as a way toward understanding and dealing with those emotions. Thanks for featuring this lovely book!
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Yes, I thought so too! This book will touch a lot of families. I remember being very curious about people dying when I was a kid. I had so many questions.
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I know a few kids who would benefit from this book. Thanks for heads-up on a book I would have not seen otherwise.
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You are welcome. I thought it was a timely book to share.
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I love this book Patricia. I am glad it is getting such a warm reception. Great review.
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I loved it too. It is very timely.
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This sounds like an important and beautiful book to have available for kids. Thanks for the great review!
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Thanks you for comments. I think everyone should have a good grief book on their book shelves. Some of their first experience with death may be a favorite pet.
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Sounds like a beautiful book, Patricia, and, as you say, very timely.
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Thank you, Norah!
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Thank you for all the kind words about my book!
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You are welcome. It is a very different grief story and I loved your clever approach. Have given copies to a few friends.
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