General News
25 June, 2026
Book helps kids with grief
A BOOK has been written to help children cope with the death of a loved one, a serious diagnosis, family breakdown or sudden change.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service social worker Emily Bodenmann has created ‘A Very Big Feeling’ – a thoughtfully written and illustrated book designed to help children and families learn how to cope with grief and begin important conversations during difficult times.
The book supports children experiencing grief across a wide range of situations, including end-of-life, the death of a friend or loved one, a difficult diagnosis, bullying and other life-changing events.
Already in use throughout Cairns Hospital, A Very Big Feeling has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from healthcare staff, children and families – prompting the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation to contribute to a print run to help reach more families across the region.
Mrs Bodenmann said the idea for the book came about through supporting a family experiencing end-of-life and recognising the children in the family required special support.
“I wrote and illustrated it with that family in mind initially, but grief is something that we all struggle with in life,” she said.
“Many adults have told me they find the book supportive because the simpler language and illustrations are a helpful way of exploring something as big and as complex as grief.”
The foundation is assisting with printing costs, in conjunction with Lotsa Printing.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the book filled an important gap in how children were supported through grief.
Donations to support the books now open via www.fnqhf.org.au/donate
