Loose Threads. A Story about Me, Mom, and Dad - Hardcover

Ludin, Airien

Hardcover

ISBN 13: 9798890630834

Publisher: Clavis, 2025

Synopsis

"A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library." – Starred Review, School Library Journal

“There is no playbook for mourning, but this tale provides a gentle guide for the unthinkable. (Picture book. 3-6)” – Kirkus Reviews

Mom, Dad, and I have the happiest days together, full of delicious meals, arts and crafts, and goodnight hugs. One day, though, Mom gets sick. She will never get better. Like a ball of yarn, I unravel and get tangled up in my emotions. But when Dad and I talk about our sadness, the knots slowly loosen a bit. And in time, sharing our grief frees up some room for beautiful memories, old and new.

In this moving and heartrending tale crafted for children aged 5 and above, readers are invited to navigate the journey of bereavement, love, and resilience alongside a family facing an unimaginable loss.

Honored with the Silver Medal at the 2022 Key Colors Competition, this beautiful story delicately explores the profound impact of a mother's sudden illness and passing due to cancer. Complemented by professional resources in the back matter, this book provides valuable support and guidance for parents and caregivers navigating similar challenges. Perfect for sparking a conversation after losing a loved one.

A comforting book about loss, love, and strength. For children ages 5 years and up.

About this title

About the Author

Airien Ludin (1999) is an illustrator based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Influenced by Indonesian art and culture from a young age, she grew to have an interest in visual storytelling. Her passions led her to attend art school for visual communication. She aspires to cultivate interactivity and bonding in media through storytelling, making books that would lead to thoughtful conversations regarding our everyday lives. Her book, My Memory Thread, won the silver medal for the Key Colours Competition of 2022 and was published by Clavis Publishing the following year, marking the start of her journey as an author-illustrator.

From the Back Cover

Mom, Dad, and I have the happiest days together, full of delicious
meals, arts and crafts, and goodnight hugs. One day, though, Mom
gets sick. She will never get better. Like a ball of yarn, I unravel
and get tangled up in my emotions. But when Dad and I talk about
our sadness, the knots slowly loosen a bit. And in time, sharing
our grief frees up some room for beautiful memories, old and new.

A comforting book about loss, love, and strength.
For children ages 5 years and up.

Edition details

• Publisher: Clavis
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798890630834
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Ludin Airien
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40