Ollie the Octopus Loss and Bereavement Activity Book: A Therapeutic Story with Activities for Children Aged 5-10

Ollie the Octopus is a therapeutic storybook for children aged 5-10 that helps them understand and cope with loss and bereavement. It is accompanied by creative activities and worksheets, as well as advice for parents and professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2021
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

In a vibrant and enchanting underwater forest, there resided a delightful and affectionate Octopus named Ollie. Ollie cherished the joy of swimming alongside his friends and cherished the precious moments spent with his loving parents, Orla and Orson. However, fate had a different plan in store. Orla, Ollie's mother, began to fall ill, and despite the dedicated efforts of the doctors, her condition worsened, leading to her passing. Ollie's world was shattered, and his heart ached with a profound sense of loss.

Recognizing the need for support and guidance, Ollie's family sought the expertise of child psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Karen Treisman. Dr. Treisman crafted this activity book with the utmost care and compassion. The first part of the book unfolds as a captivating illustrated therapeutic tale, centered around Ollie's journey of understanding and processing the loss of his beloved mother, Orla. Through vivid illustrations and engaging storytelling, Ollie explores the complex emotions associated with grief, death, and bereavement.

Following this heartfelt narrative, the book offers a wealth of creative activities and colorful photocopiable worksheets designed specifically for children and the individuals who support them. These activities encourage children to explore various aspects of loss, grief, death, and bereavement, fostering their ability to understand and cope with these challenging emotions. The final section of the book provides valuable advice and practical strategies for parents, carers, and professionals. It offers insights into helping children aged 5 to 10 navigate the complex and multifaceted feelings surrounding loss and bereavement. It provides guidance on how to foster a supportive environment and offer the necessary emotional support during this difficult time.

To enhance the learning experience, this activity book is complemented by a standalone picture book that captures the heartwarming story of Ollie. Titled "Ollie the Octopus," this book is also available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers (ISBN 9781839970238). Additionally, Dr. Treisman has created a series of bestselling publications and card sets, collectively known as the "Therapeutic Treasures Collection." These resources further complement the book and provide additional tools for children, parents, and professionals to explore and understand grief and bereavement.

In the wake of loss, Ollie found solace in the love and support of his family and friends. With the guidance of Dr. Treisman's activity book and the comforting presence of his loved ones, Ollie began to heal and find a sense of peace. Through his journey of grief and resilience, Ollie learned the importance of embracing emotions, expressing himself, and finding meaning in the memories shared with his mother, Orla.

Ollie's story serves as a testament to the power of compassion, understanding, and support in navigating the complexities of grief. This activity book, coupled with the accompanying picture book and additional resources, provides a valuable tool for children and their families as they journey through the aftermath of loss. It offers a gentle and nurturing approach to helping children heal, grow, and find hope in the face of adversity.

Weight: 976g
Dimension: 230 x 296 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787757660
Edition number: Illustrated ed