Sophie's New Song: A therapeutic story for children with absent parents - Softcover

Whitfield, Michelle

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0578790793 ISBN 13: 9780578790794

Publisher: Michelle Whitfield, Lcsw, 2021

Synopsis

Sophie struggles to deal with her feelings about her mother's absence and usually copes by trying not to think about it. But today is different. It's Sophie's birthday, and she faces more reminders at school when she has to make her family tree. How will she cope today?

Sophie's New Song portrays the challenges of growing up with an absent parent, especially when unanswered questions make it more difficult to talk about. In this relatable and hopeful story, Sophie goes on a journey of self-discovery, captured beautifully with expressive illustrations, as she finds a new way to cope with her mother's absence.

The circumstances of having an absent parent can vary, and this book would appeal to families in different situations such as when a parent becomes absent after divorce or separation, incarceration, or a problem with addiction. Children in these situations might be like Sophie where their parent might come in and out of their life, or they may have never met their parent.

This book benefits children by

• normalizing the experience of having a parent who is absent.
• providing a language for children to talk about their feelings.
• helping children and families communicate about a difficult topic.

Sophie's New Song also includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals that provides helpful discussion questions and information on positive coping skills for children and families.

About this title

About the Authors

Michelle Whitfield, LCSW, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, works with children and adolescents and has a special interest in discovering and developing resources to help children with absent parents. She lives in the Piedmont of North Carolina with her husband and highly spirited dog, Scully.

Lisa Johnston Hancock is an illustrator and studio artist whose work has found a home in children's books. She enjoys creating work that focuses on ecology and environmental education, encouraging a positive attitude toward the natural world. She lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and two children.

Edition details

• Publisher: Michelle Whitfield, Lcsw
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0578790793
• ISBN 13: 9780578790794
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Johnston Hancock Lisa
• Number of pages: 38