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Toby’s Very Important Question
by Jean Lemieux
illustrated by Sophie Casson
translated by Sarah Cummins
On the morning after Christmas, someone phones Toby's family to tell them that Toby's aunt has died in a car accident. After the ceremony, Toby notices that although everyone is very sad, they are also able to smile, chat and even sing. He wonders why people can be both happy and sad.
On the morning after Christmas, Toby's family begins the day like any other holiday. All of a sudden everything changes when someone phones to tell them that Toby's aunt has died in a car accident. They pack up and drive to his grandparents' house in the country where all the family are gathered.
After the ceremony at the funeral home, everyone goes to the family home. Toby notices that although everyone is very sad, they are also able to smile, chat and even sing. He wonders why people can be both happy and sad. He also wants to know what happens when a person dies.
This story brings out all the questions a curious child might ask when someone dies in a family.
After the ceremony at the funeral home, everyone goes to the family home. Toby notices that although everyone is very sad, they are also able to smile, chat and even sing. He wonders why people can be both happy and sad. He also wants to know what happens when a person dies.
This story brings out all the questions a curious child might ask when someone dies in a family.
About the Authors
Jean Lemieux
Sophie Casson
Reviews
"This novel contains not only an interesting plot but proves thought provoking and informative. The characters are appealing ... ideal for beginning chapter-book readers."
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"Jean Lemieux tells Toby's story with great sensitivity and care. He leads children through the emotions Toby experiences in this situation from fear, anger, and helplessness through to acceptance. Sophie Casson's black and white drawings illustrate the emotions Toby experiences and the comfort he takes in his family. Toby's Very Important Question is an excellent book to introduce children to the emotions they might experience and the questions that they might ask in the face of the death of a loved one."
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Subjects (BISAC)
JUVENILE FICTION / Family / General (see also headings under Social Themes), JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Death, Grief, Bereavement, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
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