Testimonials for Jacob
Jacob offers a glimpse into a day in the life of a young boy navigating the uncertainty of loss. Through candid language and beautiful illustrations, the author subtly gives readers familiarity with their own grief. Jacob names what is often unacknowledged in grief while graciously allowing questions to remain unanswered. The author normalizes the feelings of being utterly lost, connected yet lonely, inevitable awkward moments with others, and navigating the mundane aspects of life in the grips of loss.
Jamie Leigh
LCSW
Portland, OR
I have never been so moved by a children’s book. Like Jacob I lost my father when I was very young. Even though it happened a long time ago I can still remember what adults did and did not say about it. People don’t know what to say to a child when life is just simply unfair. Actually, we don’t really know what to say to adults either. The fact is sometimes bad things happen and words and reasons do little to ease the pain. We are left to ourselves to understand and heal. Sometimes in that space when we give up on the solace of words we open again to the wisdom of nature. In that non-verbal language we may find the answers and peace we were looking for. With deftly simple words and illustrations this little book washes over the reader like a breeze and somehow manages to say what can’t be said. Nature’s wisdom nourishes and heals us. It is a soft reminder this adult and my nine-year old self can appreciate.
Matt Moore
Art Director, M8re.com
Portland, OR
Somehow most of us make it through loss. It is not less mysterious as a grownup. Like the young boy Jacob, we make it through as we are acknowledged, seen, and known: We go on. While I’m reading Edward Sage’s story to my little six-year-old girl, I’m reading a different story to myself. It is a gift to myself to read the words, watch Jacob walk, and sit with any of my losses that come to visit, profound or plain, acute or dull. Jacob will be in our bookcase for whenever we need to see that we will get through anew. It is a gift to my child to learn to feel it is possible.
Elizabeth Stanton
Medical Editor
Teaneck, NJ