The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread

What happens when a child loses a family member for the first time? As a parent, how can you explain to your child what is about to happen when a family member has a terminal diagnosis of cancer? The beautifully-illustrated picture book, The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread: Navigating Cancer Diagnosis and Developing Coping Strategies for Grief, for ages 3-9, takes its young readers on a psychoeducational journey on the topic of grief due to loss and positive coping strategies that can be implemented to assist children through the five stages of grief.

This story is based on the relationship between the author and licensed therapist’s oldest daughter, Peighten, and her late grandmother Robin, who passed away after her long battle with breast cancer. In the book, Peighten and her sidekick puppy Gingerbread educate readers about cancer, death, and grief. Peighten and Gingerbread inform readers coping strategies to assist children in their feelings of grief within the story and through the included therapeutic activity pages.

The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread: Navigating Cancer Diagnosis and Developing Coping Strategies for Grief
by Feryn Heath
Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-958150-39-9
52 Pages; 8.5 x 11 inches

Feryn Heath is a licensed therapist in the state of Arizona. Professionally she works in the field of addiction, specializing in working with individuals who struggle with process and/or substance addictions.

“Grief is a human experience, shared by all, yet we often go through it alone. Children are no different and they do not have the words to express their grief. The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread opens up the world of grief to the reader, gives words to feelings, and lets them know they are not alone.”
- Scott Davis M.Ed., LPC-S, CSAT-S, CMAT, Executive Director, Gentle Path at the Meadows

“The Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread is a beautiful book for children about grief. It is a wonderful example of how children can be guided through the emotions and thoughts that come up during these times. Hoping to see more Adventures of Peighten and Gingerbread navigating mental health and healthy coping skills.” 
- Stephanie Emde PsyD., Clinical Director, Gentle Path at the Meadows