Review Detail

This is a lovely, poignant story of a little girl struggling to understand what happens when a loved one dies. Told from a distinctly Jewish perspective, the story deals with emotions that I think readers will find universal. While there isn't a firm answer given to the girl about where her grandfather will go when he dies, she understands that she'll be able to keep the memories she makes with him while he's alive. Cherishing each breath and moment is a lovely lesson to leave with any child.

As a note to non-Jewish parents: The afterlife teachings of both Christianity and Islam are mentioned respectfully, though of course their answers aren't the ones that are given as the "right" ones to the Rachel. The teaching in this book is that the body goes back to dust and the spirit moves on (either in memories and love or into the place where his ancestors are waiting). Some parents may find this book instructive in teaching their children how other faiths approach death, and I believe all parents could find the empathetic approach to a child's fear and grief over losing a beloved grandparent helpful in accessing those emotions in a young reader.