From the bookshelf

Lutheran, The, May 2002 by Pohlmann, Andrea S

Mother's Day can be hard for children whose moms have died. Remembering Mama (Augsburg Books), released in April, can help children deal with the loss of a loved one.

Author Dora Dokas, a member of St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn., tells a heartwarming story of a girl whose mother died. Memories and the stories people tell of her mother help the girl work through her grief.

Dokas writes in an easy-to-read style for ages 4 to 8. She also uses memories all kids can relate to: The girl remembers how her mother loves flowers and music, smelled like lilac and rain, and how she tucked her in al night. Readers will see how memorie are important for keeping a connection with loved ones who have died. They also will learn that it's OK to grieve, be sad and mad.

An added benefit is the "Thought for kids" section with activities they can do when someone they love dies: keep a journal, pray, write letters, stay a memory box, and plant a tree or flowers. The book also contains a useful note to parents with techniques they can use to help grieving children

Order Remembering Mama at www.augsburgfortress.org; (800) 328-4648.

Andrea S. Pohlmann

Pohlmann is editorial product

manager of The Luther