Additional information
by Matthew McGown (Illustrator), Tracy Renee Lee (Author)
Someone Has Died is a wonderful story featuring Butter, our grief therapy dog, and her best friend Lady. Death can be a difficult thing to endure as an adult, but children are equally affected at the loss of a loved one. As you read this book with your little ones, be mindful of their comments and observations. Encourage them to discuss the concepts within the pages. I have included photographs of Butter and Lady so that your children can see that they are real animals. This story is true and Butter and Lady live at the funeral home with my family. For the first few days before the funeral of your loved one, please read and reread this book out loud with your children. Part I of Someone Has Died helps you discuss the concepts of loss and memorialization with your children. This discussion will better prepare them for what they will experience before, during and after, the memorialization services... It will also help you to broach a subject that can be difficult to address, especially when you are grieving. Part II of Someone Has Died helps children understand appropriate behavior at a funeral. As you know, adults are sometimes less patient when they are grieving, so too are children. The behavior concepts in this book will protect your children by helping them understand what appropriate behavior is during this difficult time. There may be moments, at various services, where your children may be separated from you. With this behavioral guide, they will understand how to keep themselves safe until you are again by their side. These concepts will help keep grieving children from acting out and grieving adults from striking out. Please take this book with you to the various services and events of funeral week. Allow your children to have with them at all times. Their new friends, Butter and Lady will help them feel free to discuss their feelings and perceptions with you. They will also help your little ones remember the importance of "Minding Their Manners" during this stressful time.
Author Biography
Author Tracy Renee Lee began her professional career as a licensed day care owner and provider for fifteen years before becoming a funeral director. Her love of children and her extensive experience as a funeral home owner and director, offer a unique knowledge for children suffering loss. Tracy Renee Lee is a licensed funeral director, freelance writer, professional speaker, professional artist and author. She writes weekly bereavement articles for nearly 1000 newspapers and magazines nationwide. She has authored four books; Someone Has Died, an illustrated children's book on the death experience; Mourning Coffee for the Mourning Soul, a compilation of her yearly-published articles; Pushin' Up Daisies, a guide to lowering funeral expenses; and Mourning Glory, 100 brief facts to get you through the grief experience. Tracy was runner up for American Funeral Director of the Year 2014 and has received the Better Business Bureau's Integrity Award for her outstanding business practices. She is also the official artist for the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Tracy's goal is to have a radio talk show where mourners may call in and have their questions answered. It is her life's work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on.
