Children in grief need care and comfort. Children's literature can help. High quality picture books dealing with loss can open doors to conversation and provide space for healing in a natural comforting way. We will read some of these books, discuss methods for sharing them with children, and explore activities that may provide extended comfort. One such book is The Rag Doll Gift a gentle story about loss, but more than that it is about the strength of family, the comfort of traditions, and the boundlessness of love. You will becieve a bibliography of the books we read in class. You will also create and hand sew a patch work fabric heart ornament to take home. All materials included, however, if you have some special fabrics or items of clothing from a loved one you are invited to bring it to create your ornament. Each participant will receive a free signed copy of The Rag Doll Gift.

In The Rag Doll Gift, Kimberly receives a Rag Doll homemade with love from Gran. She also receives many other gifts of love from Gran: time in the garden discovering bees and worms, baking cookies, learning about American Sign Language and more! Come hear The Rag Doll Gift and experience some of these gifts with hands on activities and crafts to make and take. You will make you own no-sew rag doll and learn some American Sign Language and songs. All materials provided. Each participant will receive a free signed copy of The Rag Doll Gift.

An opportunity ot explore play, gain insights, and feel the power of play! When children are fully and freely engaged in play, they learn new things, develop social emotional skills, feel part of a community and take on new challenges. The same is true for adults! Play: it's not just for kids anymore! Regardless of age, play promotes active engagement, internal control, joyfulness, and social connection. In the picture book The Rag Doll Gift, Gran and her grandchildren share many play experiences. We will bring that play to life with some science experiments and crafts about plants, bees and worms and by making a balloon Rag Ball (cut the fabric pieces and receive pattern with directions to sew at home) and so much moe! Come play! You will learn a lot about the children in your life and a lot about yourself! All materials provided. Each participant will receive a free signed copy of The Rag Doll Gift.