Jimmy is the beloved baby brother of a young boy who
lives by the sea. Jimmy is more than a brother. His heart and head hurt. Tears flow. Confusion, denial, anger, and utter despair take over the boy’s life.
His parents do their best to honour Jimmy’s brief life and console their remaining son who feels the loss just as keenly.
His mum sympathises with him, lies with him in Jimmy’s bed and reminds him that Jimmy is always there, will always love them.
And this,
along with the passing of time eventually allows Jimmy’s brother to repair and
reconstruct a normalcy of living without him.
This touching picture book subtly and ably drifts through the various stages of grief following the death of a loved one. At each stage gentle reminders that it is
okay to feel a certain way are reinforced with actions and thoughts that
acknowledge and soothe. Jimmy’s brother unwittingly experiences all these
stages even passing through oceans of guilt after he experiences happiness again…without
Jimmy. He reacts in ways that are
typical of young children. He draws pictures for Jimmy, sends him lots and lots of seashells; his brother
is never far from his thoughts.
Rosser’s narrative is uncomplicated and gently
repetitive representing the initial disbelief and non-acceptance of Jimmy’s
passing experienced by his brother. He desperately wills him to return,
tempting him with his favourite things, with seashells. Johnston’s calming water
coloured illustrations smooth away the sharp edges of grief like an incoming
tide; each page suffused in seaside tones of sandy yellows and sea-glass greens
and blues. I especially love the front and back cover image which suggests a
beginning and undefined ending…a bit like life itself.
While nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, Searching For Seashells, provides a
comforting platform from which families may find ways to reassure those left
behind and remember those they’ve lost, together. It is also an excellent
example of the ability of picture books to empower understanding and initiate discussion
about the ‘bigger issues’ in life.
Title: Searching For Seashells
Author: Kerry Rosser
Illustrator: Nicky Johnston
Publisher: Empowering Resources, $ 17.00
Publication Date: September 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925592276
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book
