Mary Degen Heffelfinger’s books are written for children who have survived the death of a parent.Unlike learning to walk or talk, learning to heal after the death of a loved one is not something we naturally know how to do.

Since grief is not a natural instinct, healing from grief is something we must learn, and we need to rely on our teachers, counselors, and healers along the way. Chrissy Mouse’s Daddy Died: Coach Bill is about this healing journey. It’s also a guide for parents who are helping their children through this process. Mary Degen Heffelfinger teaches us how our communities can better interact with death as she puts words and actions to our deepest feelings.

Chrissy Mouse’s Daddy Died is a series of tales in which a little mouse struggles to overcome his grief. This vulnerable little mouse keeps going through life after his daddy dies, finding how many doors that seemed to have been closed can be opened once more through love and friendship, mending his broken heart through loving kindness, while he gives us the hope to move forward and love life once again.

During the treacherous COVID-19 pandemic, and for any child, any time, losing a parent is overwhelmingly painful and lonely. How many of us lack the tools to be there to help? Mary gives many ideas for how to be of help, for it does take a village to heal.