How to Talk About Miscarriage with Kids: Jellybean Book Sneak Peek
I received a free copy of Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God by Theoni and Bastian Bell in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Recently, I had the opportunity to review a new book by Theoni and Bastian Bell. They wrote a beautiful picture book called Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God to help grieving families process their grief and help with determining how to talk about miscarriage with kids.
The book highlights the beautiful journey from conception to death while acknowledging the emotions that parents and families feel during the sad occurrence of infant loss.
Today, I will share with you my initial thoughts on this book which is needed by so many families.
My Initial Reactions on the Book
As soon as we received the book from Holy Heroes, my children and I were all eager and excited to read it. The picture on the cover is just a sneak peak of the lovely illustrations within. The book is illustrated by Bernadette Gockowski.
The images are colorful and very appealing to children and adults alike. The cover image of the little child running into the arms of Jesus is just perfect, in my opinion.
I also love the title. Many parents can relate to giving their unborn children nicknames such as Bean, Peanut, or, in this case, Jellybean.
After the title pages in the book, you will find a dedication page for the family. I love this personalized touch if you are purchasing this book as a gift for a family. Many parents find so much comfort in naming their unborn baby who was lost to miscarriage. If the family did not name their baby, you could simply use the family’s last name. For example, if the family’s last name is “Smith” you could write “Baby Smith” in the space provided.
I also appreciated how authentically Catholic the book is throughout. When I did a flip through of the book, I immediately noticed pictures of Our Lady. In addition, there are words about angels guiding us and references to friends interceding for us to help us bear our crosses in this life.
My Favorite Parts of the Book
The book is written in gentle rhyming verses that my children and I loved. A child in 2nd or 3rd grade would also enjoy reading this book on their own.
Currently, I am pregnant while reading this book. I was a little nervous that it would be emotionally difficult for me to get through, but this was not the case. It was sad for me to read, but also very beautiful and comforting! I will explain more on this below.
I absolutely loved the pictures of the baby at different stages of development inside the uterus. I could deeply relate to the mother speaking to her baby and feeling the baby leap “like John the Baptist.” My children and I loved the reference to St. Elizabeth and St. John the Baptist in her womb!
The part where the baby begins her journey from the womb to Our Lord was emotional for me and I definitely cried. However, the references to Our Blessed Mother coming to get the baby were extremely comforting.
It is ok to cry, and it is ok to grieve
Another thing I loved about this book is that it doesn’t gloss over the emotions felt by the parents and family. It is ok to cry. It is ok to grieve. The book also reminds us that through these difficult moments, we can always rely on God to give us the strength to get through it. He will never give us more than we can handle.
I have recently had family and friends experience miscarriages. Thinking of their babies going right into the arms of Our Lady is a wonderful relief as I think about the pain my family and friends are going through. What a blessing to know that these babies are safe in the arms of the Lord and His Mother! This is one of the beautiful gifts of our Catholic faith that is also highlighted in this book.
I think that the book also addresses the grief of the parents lovingly, gently, and poignantly. The book does not ignore or sugar coat the pain of infant loss. At the same time, it gently guides us to discover that little Jellybean is now in the great Communion of Saints in heaven interceding for her family. The writers also speak about God granting us the grace to make our faith stronger during difficult times. I love how all of this aligns with our Catholic faith so perfectly.
Is this book appropriate for explaining infant loss to children?
Absolutely. In my opinion, the book explains pregnancy loss in an age-appropriate and loving way for any child. Pro-life themes and the dignity of all human life run deeply throughout the book, and this is so important for our children to hear. I think even sensitive children will find comfort from reading this book with their parents.
Who should buy this book?
This book is perfect for anyone who:
- has experienced a pregnancy or infant loss
- wants to know how to talk about miscarriage with kids in a gentle way that also aligns with our Catholic Faith
- wants to provide comfort or support for a family or friend who had a miscarriage or infant loss. It can be hard to know what to say or do in these situations, and this book would be a thoughful gift.
- wants insight into infant loss and how they can talk to and comfort a family member or friend who experienced it
- wants to own a beautiful, pro-life Catholic picture book to share with their children
If you or someone you know has experienced a miscarriage, this book is a wonderful gift for you or them! It is a much needed picture book that guides you through how to talk about miscarriage with kids. It is currently available for pre-order on the Holy Heroes website, and will be released April 16, 2024.
For of my book and curricula views, click here.
Thank for reviewing this book! This is an important topic handled with grace and love. We hope to obtain a copy!
I agree! It is so important for so many families, and this book handles it beautifully! Thanks for reading and commenting, and I hope you enjoy the book!
Great book review, but as a mother who has had three babies die within her womb I can assure you God gives us more than we can handle on our own.
“He will never give us more than we can handle.” This phrase that you used is a lie. The death of a child is unbearable, but by the Grace of God we are carried through.
Gina,
Thank you for reading and for your honest comment. I appreciate you sharing that with me. I am so sorry for your losses. You are absolutely right, and I agree that we can only rely on the grace of God to carry us through all things in this life.