Description:
Two young friends, Carly and Savannah, experience the fullness of life by exploring nature on Snow Pond and celebrating friendship by creating a friendship garden. Unfortunately, tragedy occurs when young Savannah is diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer. As the seasons turn, Savannah experiences the winter of her life. Carly attempts to comprehend death and support her dying friend. When Savannah dies, Carly and her mom search for Savannah's spirit and become aware of many signs of her presence. Carly connects with Savannah 's spirit and finds a way to cope with her grief and honor her friend when she discovers a wonderful miracle- a special gift which can be re-seeded each year.
Brief description: Gina Montini Mosca LCSW, ACHP-SW is a Hospice and Palliative Social Worker. She has over 30 years of professional experience in the Medical Social Work field. A Master's prepared clinician, she has supported individuals and families facing End-of-Life challenges in hospitals, community cancer centers, extended care facilities and community- based Hospice and Palliative Care programs. Gina has worked extensively with families and has facilitated Tender Living Care support groups for children with critically ill family members as well as HEALS (Hospice Expressive Arts Loss Support) bereavement groups. An avid nature lover, she helped her four bereaved children through the grieving process by immersion in the great outdoors and fostering a spiritual connection to all living things. She lives in central Maine with her husband and four children. 100 Percent of the Author's proceeds will be donated to the Maine Children's Cancer Program to assist children affected by cancer.
Review Quotes:
This poignant, uplifting story delivers a message of hope and healing in the face of loss. Ms Mosca's moving account reflects her deep understanding of how to help children grieve, hitting every note perfectly, with generosity, love and courage. Savannah's sunflowers are living monuments to her love and friendship, which live on forever in Carly's heart.
--Patty Engdahl LCSW
Administrative Director--MGMC Edmund Ervin Pediatric Center
This gentle, beautiful book is a warm hug for a child suffering from grief. The book gives comforting answers to the questions children often ask when another child dies. And the story and poem provide a safe place to cry. Highly recommended!
--Maeghan Maloney
District Attorney for Kennebec/Somerset Counties
A loving story that captures the spirit of an enduring friendship Savannah's Sunflowers will help children and their families understand the many layers of grief.
--Margy Burns Knight
author of Welcoming Babies
Savannah's Sunflowers is a moving story of the friendship between two young girls through and beyond terminal illness. Both captivating and tender, the story highlights how love endures beyond death, and is written in terms that early school-age children can understand and relate to. Beautifully illustrated and complete with a set of questions for discussion, this book will be an invaluable guide for parents, teachers, counselors and healthcare providers to share with young children.
--Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C
Clinical Oncology Social Worker and Director of Professional Services, Dempsey Centers for Quality Cancer Care