The Story of the Sand Man

A book targeted at pre-school, primary, and junior school aged children, for parents and families to use to open discussion about the loss of a parent or other loved ones.

About the Book

A fire-starter for conversations, a way to begin discussion, an opportunity to use a simple natural metaphor to consider the process of grief and loss.

This book is targeted at the Junior school-aged child. Originally it was created for parents to use with their children thinking about the loss of a parent, but it has adapted well for loss of a sibling, grandparent, or other important figure – illustrating the impact of the ravages of disease for example in dementia care, cancer and MND with relentless change.

Allied Health Professionals, counsellors, Chaplaincy NGO’S and teachers may find this a way of beginning the healing process.

The final pages of the book that are blank to be filled in with words, pictures or photos. In this way, the book becomes a legacy taonga – or treasure.

“The hardest part of a difficult conversation is starting it. This book paves the way as a beautiful and gentle opening which is accessible, relatable and creates a space for many different emotions of grief.”

Rachel Callander

Speaker, artist and the author of the super power baby project and super power kids

“As a paediatric and adult palliative care specialist, a lot of my work is focused on tamariki and rangatahi bereavement, and I know the young people I work with who have lost their parents/grandparents or siblings will identify with this book. Especially as it’s set in a quintessential Aotearoa setting and written by one of our own.”

Amanda Evans

Paediatric and adult palliative care consultant

“In a world where resources to help children with loss and grief are low in number, this book offers a great base to increase conversations with young folk, only through talking and experiencing the journey can we help our tamariki come to terms with loss, equipping them for their future.”

Richard Thurlow

CEO, Waipuna Hospice

About the Author

This book is based on a poem by New Zealand-based author and GP Glenn Colquhoun, titled ‘On the Death of my Grandmother’.

Glenn is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Booksellers NZ Platinum Award for poetry, and the Reader’s Choice prize at the Montana Books Awards.

Glenn gifted the use of his poem to Fiona Hewerdine, a community speech and language therapist working with families facing grief, bereavement and loss from cancer, neuro-degenerative disease, and dementia. Fiona has taken this poem and adapted it into a book to help families cope with loss and grief.

What people are saying…

“This book is great to read and talk about with your child, it’s not too heavy and deals with deep emotions. Our daughter immediately got the connection between daddy and the Sandman”

– The Nudge

“I absolutely love this book, it’s so poignant.”

– Fiona Dominick
Community Allied Health speech and language therapist

“I worry about the children and the grandchildren of people living with disease… this great analogy helps describe what’s happening”

– Lucy Willard
Age Concern

“In a world where resources to help children with loss and grief are low in number, this book offers a great base to increase conversations with  young folk, only through talking and experiencing  the journey can we help our tamariki come to terms with loss, equipping them for their future”

– Richard Thurlow
CEO, Waipuna Hospice

“The hardest part of a difficult conversation is starting it. This book paves the way as a beautiful and gentle opening which is accessible,relatable and creates a space for many different emotions of grief”

– Rachel Callander
Speaker, artist and the author of the Super Power Baby Project and Super Power Kids

“As a paediatric and adult palliative care specialist, a lot of my work is focused on tamariki and rangatahi bereavement, and I know the young people I work with who have lost their parents/grandparents or siblings will identify with this book. Especially as it’s set in a quintessential Aotearoa setting and written by one of our own.”

– Amanda Evans
Paediatric and adult palliative care consultant

Purchase Your Copy

The Story of the Sand Man is available to buy online, with shipping available throughout New Zealand and Australia.

ISBN: 978-0-473-62060-8
Title: The Sandman
Author: Glenn Colquoun
Format: Softcover
Publication Date: 03/2022

Price: $20 per book
Shipping NZ and Internationally: $6.50 per order 

Who is this book for?

This book uses the metaphor of a sand man on the beach as a tool to reflect on palliative change and death. It helps enable conversation with children and young people facing loss or grief.

  • Families and children facing loss, grief and bereavement
  • Understanding degenerative disease

 

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