The Grief Jar

Written & illustrated by Lynsey Shaw for ages 3-8 years

The Grief Jar is a heart warming book for children about a little bear’s journey with grief – of human nature and the kindness of friends.

The story begins with Bear sitting in a room alone with a big heavy jar filled with feelings that he can’t move by himself. His friends want him to come out and play but they can see that he’s sad and don’t know what to do. Each animal friend comes in to see if they can help, and one by one ask him about his Daddy. As Bear shares stories about his Daddy, he begins to feel he may be able to lift the jar if he can get a little help from his friends. They begin to assist him in carrying his jar, coming up with practical ways to make it easier to carry whilst sharing memories of his Daddy.

Publisher : Bear & Goose Designs https://www.bearandgoosedesigns.co.uk/

“The Grief Jar is beautifully illustrated with loveable characters. This will be an invaluable resource for us and for anyone who wants to engage with children about their grief.” Balloons Charity, Exeter

“The Grief Jar is a moving tale about the warmth of human nature and the kindness of friends. A sensitively told story about the feelings of loss, beautifully illustrated and appealing to both children and adults. I will be recommending it.”

Eleanor Clarke, National Co-Director, Rainbows Bereavement Support GB

“The Grief Jar is a delightful book that demonstrates how, with the help of friends, and sharing memories children can begin to manage their feelings, and not feel so overwhelmed by their grief. The delightful illustrations and gentle story are uplifting and will be so beneficial for many bereaved families to read together. We will definitely be adding it to our resources list!” 

Julie Parker, CEO, Penhaligon’s Friends, Cornwall

About the author

Lynsey Shaw is an Author, Illustrator and Graphic Designer from Devon, UK

Lynsey lost her father in June 2020 during the height of the pandemic and felt compelled to create children’s book The Grief Jar to break down some of the barriers with regards to conversations on grief and loss.

The Grief Jar is her first children’s picture book as Author/Illustrator having illustrated three previous children’s books for other authors. These include Counting all the Sheep, Ned King of the Skies & Ned’s Grand Quest.

Lynsey lives in Plymouth with her husband and young daughter and enjoys hiding her daughter’s much beloved soft toy “Ridgy” (a unicorn) within the pages of every book she illustrates.

Her other work is in surface pattern design for children’s clothes and more examples of her work can be seen at: www.bearandgoosedesigns.co.uk, on Instagram @bearandgoosedesigns and Facebook @bearandgoose

"Grief and loss are subjects that tend to be avoided in society, and the aim of The Grief Jar is to normalise the conversation and to break down the barriers of communication particularly in children and to emphasise that talking through our feelings should be encouraged. Rainbows GB was the first charity to enthusiastically support the creation of The Grief Jar, helping to raise awareness of the crowdfunder that facilitated its eventual printing and publishing. I’m proud to be recommended by them and for these books to go out to the families that need it." Lynsey.