Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for accepting my request to read and review I Can't Believe They're Gone.

Missed the mark for me. The story was too repetitive and wordy.

The premise is a spot-on necessity though. I did like the book and have made a note, should the need arise I would definitely purchase to gift.

The illustrations are just okay.

This is a beautiful book dealing with grief and how to explain and make sense of it to children.

The illustrations are lovely and the characters of the mice dealing with grief in different ways is a great tool for parents, grandparents and teachers to help little ones with this difficult time.

So we just had a death in our family and we read this to our four year old. I liked this book and the message it gave. It was about how it’s ok to feel emotions and they aren’t right or wrong and it’s ok. The story didn’t quite translate for my four year old because some of the emotions mentioned he does quite understand. It mentions feeling numb, guilty, angry etc. I would say it would be good between 4-6 starting out depending on emotional development of that particular child. My husband however I think got the message it was sending and I think it helped him feel better for the emotions he was working through.

A heartwarming children's book that tackles the sensitive topic of grief with grace and compassion. This beautifully written picture storybook follows the mouse family as they navigate the stages of grief and the unique ways each member expresses their feelings. With Bear as their empathetic companion, readers are reminded that emotions are neither good nor bad but simply a part of life.

The author's storytelling is both gentle and reassuring, making this book a valuable resource for children and families coping with loss. It's a touching reminder that healing and hope are possible, and that no one is alone in their grief journey.

Looking for a book to help your child cope with loss? I Can't Believe They're Gone by Karen Brough is the perfect choice! This touching children's book takes you on an emotional journey with a mouse family, led by their empathetic friend Bear, as they navigate the complexities of grief. It's not just a story; it's a comforting hug that assures kids that their feelings are valid.

I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and simplicity of this book. It's a heartwarming reminder that emotions are a natural part of life, and there's no right or wrong way to feel. If you're a parent or guardian dealing with a grieving child or simply want to introduce the concept of loss and healing, don't miss out on this gem. I Can't Believe They're Gone offers solace, hope, and an opportunity for important conversations with your little ones. Grab a copy and embark on this heartfelt journey together!

As a youth librarian, I was sometimes asked by parents for books that helped explain death to their young child. At times all I had to give them were books about the death of a pet. However this picture book would be appropriate to help a child deal with their sad emotions connected with loss of a loved one. The watercolor illustrations have a sloppy charm, but the weird red glasses on the bear are odd and distracting.

This book was such a lovely little surprise. I love children's book, especially when they've been written to teach important life lessons. Grief is one of the hardest part of life but something we will all be confronted with multiple times in our lifetime. Our little family of mice here have just lost a loved one and by focusing on each character's individual feelings and coping strategies this charming story highlights different and healthy ways to grieve with no judgement. It made me tear up towards the end.
The illustrations by Hiruni Kariyawasam were heartwarming and I love her colour palette and style!

I would absolutely consider gifting this to young children around me who would be facing this difficult process for the first time. It's very sweet!

A beautifully well written book, I read this book with my child who has recently lost a grandparent (my father) and even at 29, I shed a tear. Lovely illustrations throughout and I assume will be helpful for a lot of children. 10/10, will recommend.

This is a touching and emotional children's book that will help children cope with grief and loss. The story is about a family of mice who have lost someone they love. They each go through different stages of grief and are shown to do all different things to help them cope with their loss and express how they feel. They ask Bear to help them, and he offers each of them some wise words of advice, letting them know that it is ok to feel the way they feel. At the end of the book, each mouse brings something to the table to honour the memory of their loved one.

The images in the book are beautiful, the text is easy to read, and the story is heartbreaking and heartwarming. I loved this book, and I am sure it will help a lot of children in the world when they are navigating a loss. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

I Can't Believe They're Gone by Karen Brough
Children's Fiction - Parenting & Families

I Can't Believe They're Gone is a book about grief for children. A way that gives them comfort, lets them know they are not alone and gives them hope in the days to come.

Losing someone is beyond devastating, explaining that loss to a child seems impossible. This is such a meaningful story that can help us understand the emotions we are feeling that everyone reacts differently and that is ok. I love this book and will be getting this for our home library. I do believe it is a topic worth introducing to children because of how suddenly our lives can change.

Dear author,
You know what,
You've made it.

Remember?
your aim of reassuring those who deals with grief and loss via your book?
The vision you shared at the end of this book...
I read it,

And i felt comforted.

I lost my dad 3 years ago and it hurts so much, and still does, just that I'm more capable of handling it.

I used to feel stuck, numb, angry and hopeless for no reason... I felt like im stuck on a long road without a destination, craving for a helping hand. That could tell me why am i feeling this way... It was a long journey to be stable and learn the coping mechanism.

I wish i could read this book sooner but hey, it still soothe my grieving heart. And i think it will be far meaningful and impactful for younger children as they are still too young to process the grieve.

The story are short, but meaningful, it helps us understand that every emotions are right. And it's not bad too feel certain ways, just that we bounce back from it by slowly embracing it.

I wish this book a prosper success so that it could rekindle the dimmed light in the heart of those who have lost their loved one.

sincerely,
23 years old girl who's been dealing with grief for the past 3 years.

Thank you netgalley for giving me an opportunity to review this awesomely soothing story for free. And this is my thought of the book.