Rosedale Articles
February Book of the Month
“I have been a great advocate of this book for over 14 years. An ideal book for children to read or be read to at home or in schools to spark conversations about death and dying”. – words by Lucy Coote – Bereavement Support facilitator & trainer.
Water Bugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney is a resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers navigating the delicate task of explaining death to children. This gentle story uses the life cycle of water bugs and dragonflies to explore themes of loss, transformation, and hope.
The Story
The narrative follows a colony of water bugs living in a pond. Occasionally, one of the bugs climbs up a stem and disappears, leaving the others wondering about their mysterious absence. Unbeknownst to them, the water bugs are transforming into dragonflies above the water’s surface. Although the dragonflies cannot return to the pond to explain what has happened, their new existence is one of beauty and freedom.
The Message
Through this metaphor, Stickney addresses the concept of death in a way that is accessible and comforting for children. The story suggests that while death may be difficult to understand from our perspective, it marks a transformation to something beyond our current comprehension.
Where to find this book
This book can be purchased from all good book stockists, or you can borrow it from our well stocked bereavement library.