Abstract

When we were on a No Girls Allowed! holiday, my daddy's heart stopped beating and I had to find help all by myself. He was very badly broken. Not even the ambulance people could help him...

This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help explain the concept of death to children aged 3+. Written in Alex's own words, it is based on the real-life conversations that Elke Barber had with her then three-year-old son, Alex, after the sudden death of his father. The book provides reassurance and understanding to readers through clear and honest answers to the difficult questions that can follow the death of a loved one, and carries the invaluable message that it is okay to be sad, but it is okay to be happy, too.

When Elke, his mum, went looking to books for answers, she found nothing, except more emptiness. An incredibly determined individual, she recognised a need to share her story.
Oliver Jeffers, multi-award-winning children's book author and illustrator, and maker of 'Lost and Found'

Elke Barber's life changed in April 2009 when her husband Martin suffered a fatal heart attack. Aged only 34, she found herself a young widow and a single mum to two kids under four. A self-employed graphic designer and long-time lover of children's books, she decided to share their story to help others in similar situations. Using the conversations she had with her then three-year old son, together they wrote Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute? and What Happened to Daddy's Body? - both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She is now happily remarried, a mum and step mum to seven children, soulmate to John and a public speaker who is passionate about improving the bereavement support for young children. If you want to find out more about Elke and her family, please visit www.isdaddycomingback.com

Alex Barber is now ten years old. He was only three when his daddy died. He misses him every day, and will never stop missing him. He loves Doctor Who and his favourite hobby is football. He helped his mum Elke write Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute? and What Happened to Daddy's Body? by asking the many direct and difficult questions only a young child can ask. He calls his mum's new husband 'Dad' (not 'Daddy'!), and says he is lucky because he has two dads, only one of them can't be here.

It embodies the best in writing and illustration for children.
Healthy Books
I can think of no better way to communicate with a very young child about a sudden death. This book will be highly recommended on our suggested reading list.
Winston's Wish
A young person experiencing death is more common than we imagine. This book addresses the issue with courage, honesty and truthfulness.
Grief Encounter Project
Finding a book on sudden death suitable to be read with a pre-school child is very difficult; this one fills the gap admirably.
The Child Bereavement Charity
A beautiful book that will undoubtedly help so many; I would highly recommend it.
Richmond's Hope Bereavement Project