Literature, A Window to Understanding: Using Children’s Books to Process Loss

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Title: Literature, A Window to Understanding: Using Children’s Books to Process Loss
Author: Kaiana E. Bradley
Faculty Sponsor: Marie LeJeune; Gavin Keulks
Date: 4/1/2020
Abstract: This thesis explores how literature can smooth the process of grief. Specifically, it focuses on the loss of pets through the shape of a children’s book with a target audience of children ages two to six. The book is designed to be used with children as loss occurs in their life to provide them with a new lens to learn about what has happened. The book contains back matter for the adult to review to learn about loss and children, and it will also provide discussion starters to open conversations between the adult and the child. The goal of this book is that as the characters find understanding and hope, the children reading it—or having it read to them—will be able to experience the same sense of calm following what could be a traumatic experience. The second piece to this project is a written reflection following the composition of the children’s book which explores the writing process. There is also an expository section which discusses similar resources and research which guided the choices made in the production of this children’s book.
Type: Text; Honors Thesis
Department: Honors Program
Language: eng
Rights: Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.; http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Identifier: honors_theses/214