I wrote this book especially for children and their families, and those who care for them, when they are facing the possibility, or the probability, or the certainty, of a child’s death. Its end-of-life theme, though, lived through the heart and mind of a young boy, has I believe universal appeal.

This story is a fantasy-but it is born of the real-life experiences of very ill and dying children. A few generations ago it was okay to talk about the death of children, because it was so much more common. But we rarely do so in our culture today because death from childhood illness has become mercifully rare.

Eleven-year-old Jeremy, the book’s hero, is dying of leukemia. He and his parents are saddened and scared by the growing certainty of his death. Then Jeremy becomes aware of the presence of someone, or something, talking to him from deep inside him. It turns out to be his ‘animated’ soul, Jewel, who helps him prepare for his final journey. Of course, Jewel was there all along, but Jeremy’s illness experience has brought him to a first direct awareness of Jewel.

Jewel guides Jeremy in helping his family and friends come to a peaceful acceptance of his death. These scenes are interwoven with Jeremy’s near-death experience. After an apparent journey to Heaven, he returns to Earth to say his final goodbyes to all his caregivers, friends, and family.

As a pediatrician who has cared for many children who have died, I hope this book will make it easier for children and grown-ups to talk about these hard, hard things.