‘Grand Angel’ by author Jobia Keys (illustrated by Sue Lynn Cotton) is an important children’s book and beautiful ode to our loved ones who are no longer with us. More importantly, it helps children to understand and cope with the loss of a grandparent, although the content can apply to the loss of any relative or friend.

Jobia Keys is a children’s media scholar and researcher, who uses her knowledge to equip families with the emotional tools needed for everyday application. It can be difficult and emotionally overwhelming to explain the concept of death to a child, especially when it involves someone whom they had a particularly tight-knit relationship with. In ‘Grand Angel’, Nyla’s Granny B., who she spends a significant amount of time with, unexpectedly passes away. Before Nyla could truly process what had occurred, a beautiful picture of what heaven looks like was painted when Granny B. visited Nyla in her dreams. By the end of the encounter, it was apparent that Nyla felt peace, and even offered it to her parents through their grief in letting them know that “Granny B. is alright in heaven with Grandpa B.”.

‘Grand Angel’ is poetic, precise and beautiful.

So often this discussion is kept in the balance, leaving children confused and unsure of how to properly channel their emotions following loss. ‘Grand Angel’ does an amazing job of tapping into the spiritual realm and inspiring all who read it to have real conversations and envision a wonderful afterlife beyond their wildest imaginations.

The book can be purchased here.