Joy and the Love That Stays

Joy and the Love That Stays

A Comforting Story for Children Who Are Grieving

Grief can feel heavy and confusing for children—especially when someone they love is no longer here.

Joy and the Love That Stays is a gentle, trauma-informed children’s book created to support kids ages 4–8 who are grieving or missing someone they love. Through calm language, quiet moments, and reassuring illustrations, Joy helps children understand that all feelings are allowed—and that love does not disappear.

This book is not about fixing grief or rushing healing.
It offers a safe space for children to notice their emotions, remember the people they love, and take each day one gentle step at a time.

Designed for families, counselors, churches, and educators, this book can be read together or explored slowly at a child’s own pace.

What’s Included

• A 49-page printable PDF story featuring Joy

• Gentle reflection and activity pages for emotional expression

• Trauma-informed language appropriate for young children

• Caregiver guidance for supporting a grieving child

• Faith-inclusive content suitable for homes, schools, and counseling settings

This Book Is Helpful For

• Children coping with loss or grief

• Parents and caregivers supporting a grieving child

• Christian counselors, pastoral caregivers, and church grief ministries

• Teachers, therapists, and school counselors

• Families looking for gentle, age-appropriate support

What's Unique About This Book

• Calm, reassuring tone (no fear-based language)

• Honors grief without minimizing it

• Supports both the child and the adult

• Can be used at home, in counseling, or in small groups

Because healing is not forgetting. It’s learning to carry love in new ways.