Growing Up Pages - Life Lessons with Zandie and Ellis: Remembering Our Bella
#3 in Growing Up Pages - Life Lessons with Zandie and Ellis Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Remembering Our Bella is a true story that highlights the emotional journey of two sisters, Zandie and Ellis, as they cope with the loss of their beloved pet, Bella. Written from the sisters' perspective, the book walks readers through their experiences of having a loving pet and dealing with her unexpected passing. It aims to provide comfort to families experiencing similar losses and is part of a series designed to promote sisterhood, enhance emotional intelligence, and address various social issues. Authored by a psychologist, each book in the series tackles different topics and offers strategies for children, parents, and teachers to manage difficult situations healthily. Remembering Our Bella also includes coping activities to help children navigate their grief.
Discussion points
How did Zandie and Ellis feel when they remembered Bella? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways Zandie and Ellis kept Bella's memory alive? How would you choose to remember someone important to you?
Why do you think it’s important to talk about our feelings, like the characters did in the book?
How did the friends support each other in remembering Bella? What can we learn from their friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by sharing a personal story of your own related to the theme.
Use a soft and patient tone to create a comfortable environment that invites open conversation.
Highlight the actions of the characters in the book that showcase empathy and support, and ask your child how they might act similarly in their own life.
After discussing the book, consider engaging in a related activity, like drawing a picture or writing a story about a cherished memory of a loved one.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: The story addresses the emotional journey of Zandie and Ellis as they remember their beloved pet, Bella, fostering a deeper understanding of grief.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing and expressing their feelings about loss, and learn that it's okay to miss someone and cherish their memories.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Zandie and Ellis support each other through their grieving process, highlighting the importance of friendship during tough times.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be supportive friends and understand the comfort and strength that friendship can provide during difficult moments.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite their sadness, Zandie and Ellis find ways to celebrate Bella's life, showing resilience in the face of emotional challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that while sadness is a natural response to loss, finding ways to remember and honor loved ones helps in healing and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: The book encourages open expression of feelings, as the characters talk about their emotions related to Bella's absence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of communicating their feelings and not bottling them up, which is crucial for emotional health.