The Brave Breath

Rose's life used to feel safe and predictable. Saturday pancakes, sparkly socks and Mum holding the umbrella when it rained.

Then everything changed.

After losing her mum in a sudden accident, Rose finds herself frightened by everyday things. Every loud noise makes her jump. Every delay feels scary. The world no longer feels safe.

Carrying feelings of sadness, worry and guilt, Rose wonders if she could have done something differently.

The Brave Breath is a compassionate children's grief book designed to help young readers understand sudden bereavement, anxiety and loss. Through Rose's story, children learn that difficult feelings are normal and that healing takes time.

This book gently explores:

• The sudden loss of a parent
• Grief, fear and anxiety
• Feelings of guilt after bereavement
• Understanding difficult emotions
• Rebuilding confidence and safety
• Finding hope after loss

Children will learn:

• Healthy ways to express emotions
• How to manage worry and anxious thoughts
• The Brave Breath calming technique
• That it is okay to cry, ask questions and seek support
• That they are not responsible for what happened

Includes The Toolkit for Scary Days

A practical collection of child-friendly activities and coping strategies designed to help children feel calmer, safer and more supported.

Ideal for:

• Parents supporting a grieving child
• Primary schools and teachers
• School counsellors and therapists
• Bereavement support organisations
• Child mental health practitioners
• Families coping with sudden loss

The Brave Breath offers comfort, reassurance and hope for children learning to live with loss. It reminds young readers that even when life changes forever, they can find strength, support and moments of peace.

Written by Wayne Hutchinson & Nadeen Swaby of Handle My Affairs

Helping families navigate grief, loss, bereavement and life's most difficult moments with compassion, understanding and practical support.