REVIEWS

We live near the mall in Oregon where there were shootings this year right before Sandy Hook. We tried to limit my children's exposure, but they "learned" a lot about both from the playground. This did an excellent job helping both of them process those events! Thank you!!!!! --Rebekah Murcray


Inspired by the tragedy of Sandy Hook, December 14, 2012, "Love, Hugs and Hope" uses beautiful colored graphic designs, optimistic pictures, and clearly written messages to give children permission to have their feelings, express them, and work through to find and build a sense of security once more. "Love, Hugs, and Hope" is all about validation of feelings, especially scary feelings. A beautiful two part message is embedded at the core of this lovely book, with perfectly balanced text and illustration. "Love, Hugs, and Hope" is a beautiful and useful memorial to a tragic event, conveying a healing message of caring and hope. --Midwest Book Review

What a needed resource! I wish I'd had a book like this for my kids when they were little. It's never easy to help kids deal with tough problems, but this book makes it a little easier. I love knowing that it's written by a licensed therapist as well, so you can trust that the help given here is solid. It's simple, straightforward, and easy to understand. The illustrations are just right. --Margot Holvey, author and blogger at Inklings

What do you do when scary things happen? Do you hide? Fight? Scream? What if you’re a child? Now there is a beautiful new book by Christy Monson and Lori Nawyn that addresses this issue.With bright, colorful pictures by Nawyn and simple, engaging text by Monson, Love, Hugs and Hope: When Scary Things Happen, is a blueprint of what to do when you’re little. And frightened by something terrifying. In a world increasingly shattered by violence, mistrust and hatred, Love, Hugs and Hope is a bright little spot of warmth. A much-needed resource; its easy-to-follow, sympathetic advice and charming pictures will make it a go-to book for generations. --Diane Tolley

Often we give kids too much credit. They grow up fast and are exposed to much more at an earlier age than the previous generation. Love, Hugs, Hope is a straight forward manual in a clever illustrated form to help kids process difficult life events. --C. Miller

This is a brilliantly written book that children can read with an adult or on their own and get the help they need when “bad” things happen. It’s like therapy on a child’s level. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. Reading through this, I can clearly see the steps of dealing with trauma & tragedy. What an amazing concept to have these steps so well and simply written. This is a book every child could benefit from. --Michele 

This wonderfully written and expressive book allows a child to understand that the range of emotions they feel when dealing with tragedy.... are OK! Normal feelings that everyone feels when confronted by loss! Inspired, written, and illustrated for the children of Sandy Hook this book is truly a treasure! A must own for every child in your life! Unfortunately we never can be prepared for the untimely misfortune of tragedy, but we can step by step, little by little, introduce our children to the feelings they will feel! Equally impressive are the lessons of Hope expressed in this book! Encouraging young readers to find creative and constructive ways to express their feelings! I found this especially important! As adults we know that it is essential that we get our emotions out to deal with, rather than hide them inside waiting for the inopportune moment that they burst! Although personally not affected by Sandy Hook. My young children found peace in the knowledge of this fine read! --Garrin Judd, mother of three, blogger at Life's Curious Wisdom

We lived in Brooklyn during the 9-11 attack, and as we tried to talk to our young children about that, this book would have come in handy. The text is simple and understandable. It is clear and hopeful, but avoids making promises that no one can realistically make. At the same time, it doesn't dwell on gloom either. I think they did a good job walking that balance. The illustrations were also lovely––charming and child-friendly without being silly or cliche. ––Braden Bell, author and blogger

This delightfully illustrated self-help children’s book is a must-have for parents to share with their children after traumatic events. In a very direct but kind way, Christy Monson’s words will help children get through difficult times. --Drienhe Hattingh, blogger