After the Markle family lost their nine-month-old baby in a car accident, they discovered that few resources are available for young children to help them cope with sibling loss. Amanda Markle wrote "Stella's Story" to be used as a tool to help their two-year-old daughter deal with the loss of her baby sister. The words in this book are those used by Amanda when talking to her surviving child about baby Tabitha who watches over them and lives on in their hearts.
Awards
2018 Purple Dragonfly Award
2020 Silver Illumination Award
Finalist in the category: 'Children’s Non-Fiction' in the 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards.
''Mandy's family experienced grief and loss when her baby died tragically. She and her husband have powerfully aided many with the myriad of emotions as speakers to local grief groups. With the perspective of both a mother and an educator, Mandy's book for children will continue that mission and will provide an invaluable resource for children as they experience grief and loss.'' --Susan Vento, Grief Educator
Awards
2018 Purple Dragonfly Award
2020 Silver Illumination Award
Finalist in the category: 'Children’s Non-Fiction' in the 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards.
''Mandy's family experienced grief and loss when her baby died tragically. She and her husband have powerfully aided many with the myriad of emotions as speakers to local grief groups. With the perspective of both a mother and an educator, Mandy's book for children will continue that mission and will provide an invaluable resource for children as they experience grief and loss.'' --Susan Vento, Grief Educator
ABOUT "STELLA'S STORY"
This simple, but meaningful book describes two sisters love for one another through their daily activities, touches on an accident that takes the baby’s life and addresses the emotions and feelings that follow the family’s loss. At the end of the story are practical ideas and tips for parents to assist them in discussion with their own surviving children.
“Stella’s Story” provides an opportunity to catalyst into basic discussions with young children on the topic of death and faith. It also gives parents and their children a starting point for sharing feelings of sadness and for talking with and supporting one another.
This simple, but meaningful book describes two sisters love for one another through their daily activities, touches on an accident that takes the baby’s life and addresses the emotions and feelings that follow the family’s loss. At the end of the story are practical ideas and tips for parents to assist them in discussion with their own surviving children.
“Stella’s Story” provides an opportunity to catalyst into basic discussions with young children on the topic of death and faith. It also gives parents and their children a starting point for sharing feelings of sadness and for talking with and supporting one another.
Stella's Story is available for purchase through:
Itasca Books: https://itascabooks.com/stellas-story/
Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Stellas-Story-Dealing-Sibling-Loss/dp/1634891066/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1531421059&sr=8-1&keywords=stella%27s+story+dealing+with+sibling+loss&dpID=51iyoIxYbuL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
Email: [email protected]
Itasca Books: https://itascabooks.com/stellas-story/
Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Stellas-Story-Dealing-Sibling-Loss/dp/1634891066/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1531421059&sr=8-1&keywords=stella%27s+story+dealing+with+sibling+loss&dpID=51iyoIxYbuL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
Email: [email protected]
The Family's Story
In January 2013, the Markle family went for dinner at a restaurant on the shore of Lake Minnetonka. On the way home, Amanda’s husband chose to drive across the frozen lake. Going through a channel, the ice broke and the family’s car sank. Amanda, her husband and their 2 ½ year old daughter were able to exit the car. Their 9-month-old baby, Tabitha, was trapped in her car seat until rescue crews could free her. Tabitha was transported to Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, where her breathing was restored. She was then airlifted to Children’s Minnesota - Minneapolis where her brain function, heartbeat and breathing were monitored. After three days, the doctors determined there was no sign of brain function and Tabitha was pronounced dead. The words written in this book are the words Amanda used when talking to their surviving child about her baby sister.
In January 2013, the Markle family went for dinner at a restaurant on the shore of Lake Minnetonka. On the way home, Amanda’s husband chose to drive across the frozen lake. Going through a channel, the ice broke and the family’s car sank. Amanda, her husband and their 2 ½ year old daughter were able to exit the car. Their 9-month-old baby, Tabitha, was trapped in her car seat until rescue crews could free her. Tabitha was transported to Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, where her breathing was restored. She was then airlifted to Children’s Minnesota - Minneapolis where her brain function, heartbeat and breathing were monitored. After three days, the doctors determined there was no sign of brain function and Tabitha was pronounced dead. The words written in this book are the words Amanda used when talking to their surviving child about her baby sister.
