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

by Lisa Johnston Hancock (Illustrator), Michelle Whitfield (Author)

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.