What Happens After?

What Happens After?
by Diane Namm (Author), Laura Jäger (Illustrator)
 
What Happens After? is a heartfelt exploration of grief through a child-friendly lens. With poetic simplicity and emotional honesty, the book gently walks readers through the complex feelings that come after losing someone they love. Through vivid metaphors—like feathers in the wind or butterflies in flight—it offers children a way to remember, honor, and carry their loved ones with them. The story affirms that grief has no timeline, that remembering is healing, and that love never truly ends.
 
A masterpiece of emotional wisdom wrapped in poetic prose. What Happens After? is one of those rare picture books that speaks directly to the hearts of both children and adults. Diane Namm handles the tender subject of loss with remarkable grace, validating every stage of grief without ever becoming heavy-handed. The language is gentle yet powerful, offering comfort without sugarcoating, and the illustrations by Laura Jäger add a warm, dreamlike quality that perfectly matches the tone of the text.
 
This book is an invaluable resource for families navigating grief—whether the loss is recent or years past. It opens the door to difficult conversations in a way that feels safe and natural. More than that, it reminds us all that those we love never truly leave us; they live on in memories, in traditions, and in the quiet moments of everyday life.
 
Ideal for bedtime reading, grief counseling settings, or classroom discussions, What Happens After? belongs on every child’s bookshelf. It’s not just a book about what we lose—it’s a beautiful reflection on all that we carry forward.

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