Addy's Cup of Sugar: Based on a Buddhist Story of Healing, written by Jon J. Muth, reviewed by Judy Hauser

 

Summary: This book, based on a Buddhist story, is beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. It is, however, about healing from the death of loved ones. I can see that the book would be perfect to read to a child if the child has lost a pet like the girl in the book. Her kitten was hit by a car and her imaginary friend helps her with her loss by having her go neighbor to neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar. However, her friend tells her that the sugar must come from a house that has not experienced a death. In doing so the girl finds that everyone has lost someone they love and it helps her heal. The story is very nice and it may be helpful to children who have lost a pet. I don't know if I would try to use it as a book to read to a child who has lost a family member or friend. There is, obviously, a lot of talk of death and it may be too much for a young mind to take. Recommended but probably for special cases where a child has experienced a loss or where a child's friend has experienced a loss. The story and the illustrations may help a child to understand loss and how to heal from a loss. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A lot of talk of death. I can see this book read to a child who has lost a pet. But, even though the story and the illustrations are great it is still about death and healing.