Abstract

Snibbles and Big Tree are best friends! They have always hung out together, and Snibbles loves Big Tree very much. When Big Tree unexpectedly falls ill with woodworm, Snibbles is very upset and angry. The illness is a very bad one and Big Tree does not feel well and doesn't want to play for a long time. Poor Snibbles! He wants Big Tree to get better, but he feels as if there is nothing he can do. What can Snibbles and his friends do to help Big Tree through his treatment and recovery?

This beautifully illustrated storybook describes the anger and emotion that many children encounter when a close relative or friend is diagnosed with a long-term illness, such as cancer. The story of Big Tree depicts how things are often out of your control and sets out effective strategies for dealing with these emotions. This story features loveable characters and vivid illustrations, as well as activities for children aged 5+ to complete with their parents or professionals in times of illness and loss.

Nathalie Slosse wrote the story about Snibbles and Big Tree in 2008, after recovering from a treatment against breast cancer while her son was young. She lives in Belgium.
Nathalie Slosse has written a brilliant... book for children. The author knows from the inside what happens with children when they have to deal with a parent who is very ill and maybe is going to die. The illustrations of Rocio del Moral are very helpful in explaining to children what is happening. Nathalie has also developed exercises for children helping them to cope with the experience of a parent who has been diagnosed with cancer. I really recommend this excellent book.
Dr. Riet Fiddelaers-Jaspers, a well-known bereavement specialist and therapist and author of many books for children and adults on this subject