The Slow Sunset

When someone we love becomes seriously ill, children often experience confusing feelings long before a goodbye happens.

The Slow Sunset is a compassionate children's grief book designed to help young readers understand anticipatory grief and cope with the emotions that come when a parent, grandparent or loved one is living with a serious or terminal illness.

Told through the eyes of Shane, a young boy watching his dad slowly change through illness, this gentle story helps children understand that grief can begin before death and that their feelings are valid, normal and important.

This book gently explores:

• Anticipatory grief and preparing for change
• Big emotions including sadness, anger and confusion
• The impact of illness on the whole family
• Missing the things that used to be normal
• Finding comfort in love, memories and connection
• Understanding that grief can begin before a loss

Children will learn:

• It is okay to feel worried, sad or angry
• How to talk about difficult emotions
• Ways to stay connected with loved ones during illness
• How memories can bring comfort
• That love remains constant even when circumstances change

Includes The Slow Sunset Toolkit

Children will discover simple activities designed to help them process emotions and feel supported, including:

• The Sunset Jar memory activity
• The North Star reflection tool
• Practical coping strategies
• Conversation prompts for families
• Emotional wellbeing exercises

Ideal for:

• Families facing serious or terminal illness
• Parents supporting a grieving child
• Primary schools and teachers
• School counsellors and therapists
• Bereavement and family support organisations
• Children experiencing anticipatory grief

The Slow Sunset offers comfort, understanding and reassurance for children navigating one of life's most challenging experiences. It reminds young readers that even when life is changing, love remains a constant source of strength and hope.

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.