Water Bugs and Dragonflies Explaining Death to Children (Looking Up)

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Perhaps, because the dragonfly didn't die nor really did the water bug; it changed and became something else. They did notice that every once in a while one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about with its friends. This edition features full-colour paintings by Gloria Ortiz Hernandez, an artist whose work has been exhibited in Europe, South America, and the USA. Recognizing that “the old answers will not satisfy today’s children”, Doris Stickney presents instead a simple, wise tale that illuminates a difficult reality without pretending to contain all the answers.

Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney - Beloved Hearts Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney - Beloved Hearts

Before he knew what was happening, he had broken through the surface of the water, and fallen on to a broad, green lily pad above. One spring day, not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. They make a group decision that the next one to go up the stem will come back down and tell the others what's above. I kind of like that idea but not sure if kids would get it and wonder if they might start looking elsewhere for their "missing" loved one.

Images Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape Donate Ellipses icon An illustration of text ellipses. The older kids might relate better to Tear Soup, even though the two books have different perspectives on death and grieving. Web icon An illustration of a computer application window Wayback Machine Texts icon An illustration of an open book.

Water Bugs and Dragonflies Explaining Death to Children (Looking Up) Water Bugs and Dragonflies Explaining Death to Children (Looking

I liked this book for its simplicity and yet a possible explanation of what happens next without getting into heaven/religious grown-up speak. While not told on a spiritual level, this story can be adapted to explain to children, whether with a religious context or not, the concept of death and moving on. One day a little waterbug finds himself walking up the stem, and when he lies on the lilypad the sun is so warm that he goes into a deep sleep. First published under the title "Death" in 'Colloquy' (December 1971), the story was revised and expanded in 1982 to become the current bestselling Waterbugs and Dragonflies.The main story is not exactly spiritual but is an allegory of life that is compatible with Christianity, the notes and scripture references that follow the story explain its symbolism. Finally one of the water bugs, a leader in the colony, gathered its friends together “I have an idea. Our resources are crucial for knowledge lovers everywhere—so if you find all these bits and bytes useful, please pitch in. With a much loved family member slowly slipping away from us, I needed help explaining death to my kids, ages 10, 7, and 4.

Water Bugs and Dragonflies Water Bugs and Dragonflies

Simplistic in it's ideas, this children's book illustrates the change that happens with death, keeping in line with our beliefs that death is not an ending at all and that we will be reunited. Water Bugs and Dragonflies’ tells the story of a small colony of water bugs living happily below the surface of a quiet pond. There is a section at the back to guide parents/caregivers through explaining death in a more spiritual manner, if desired. I got this book for Rory when her grandpa died last year and I think it helped me just as much as it helped her.Looking for a meaningful way to explain to neighbourhood children the death of a five year old friend, Doris Stickney adapted the graceful fable about the waterbug that changed into a dragonfly. The dragonfly remembered the promise: "The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why. Doris Stickney and her minister husband were looking for a meaningful way to explain to neighbourhood children the death of a five-year-old friend. You can also read about my books – The Dragonfly Story – a children’s book, and Life, Without You – a grief journal. It is not complex and allows children to visualize the similarities between humans and the characters in this short story.