by Dean Atta
illustrated by Alea Marley
 
Subtitled, “A story of love and loss”. Theo loves it when his cousin, Rama, comes to stay. But this year, there’s no space for their usual makeshift-tent sleepovers, games and dances. All of the family are very sad, grieving at the loss of a dearly loved auntie (Theo’s dad’s sister) and Rama only feels up to sitting quietly and reading. Theo asks Mum, “What can I do to make Rama feel better?” Mum tells him to “just keep being kind”. Remembering all of the joy Auntie brought to both cousins, Theo stumbles on the perfect idea for a fitting tribute and Dad is on hand with Auntie’s many bangles…
 
A very tender bereavement story which is unique for looking at the death of an auntie, recognising the wealth of joy aunties (and uncles!) can bring and their special places in families. The second picture book from poet and author Dean Atta, joined by animated, fuzzy-warm illustrations which cast the swirls of Auntie’s jingly-jangly, multicoloured bangles across the pages (we also loved the way the light bounces off Theo’s natural hair). 
 
‘Very good. I wrote a book about grief and loss and this would definitely have been in it. It shows the complexity of adults’ and children’s emotions. It also shows a child caring for their cousin in a very simple way’ (Deb, author of Supporting Young Children Experiencing Loss & Grief [Routledge 2020], Letterbox Library reviewer). [Mixed race Black/South Asian family]. Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp
 
Themes: Diverse Families