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I Can't Believe They're Gone

I Can't Believe They're Goneicon

by Karen Brough

Publisher
Karen Brough
Publication
Aug 01, 2023
Format
Paperback/Softback
Illustrated
Yes
Price
$14.99
Dimensions
8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 in
ISBN
978-0645497540
ASIN
0645497541
Pages
39
Age
4 - 6 years
Category
Family & ParentingIllustrated Picture BooksPsychology

Rights Sold

🌍 World Wide Rights Available

Description

Endorsed by the Founder of the NCCG - National Centre for Childhood Grief!

Over 20,000 copies in homes, libraries, schools and counselling offices!

(Latest sales figure as of 3/2/2026)


Are you seeking gentle guidance, help, and hope for a young heart dealing with loss?

Look no further than this touching picture book I Can't Believe They're Gone.

  • Winner of the Firebird Book Award in the Children's Grief Book Category.

  • Proudly Endorsed by Psychologists, Therapists, and Health and Educational Professionals.

Why do professionals endorse this story so readily?

  • Offers Comfort & Coping Strategies
  • Introducing Grief Stages
  • Helping readers to understand & validates emotions
  • Models Expressions of Grief
  • Addresses Questions & Opens Grief Dialogue
  • Gives permission to feel & respond to grief
  • Offers Hope
  • Empowers & Equips readers to better cope
  • Relatable Characters who all respond to grief differently
  • Importance of remembering


The mouse family has lost someone dear...

Come follow each one as Bear helps them understand all they are feeling and how each expresses it in their own unique way.

Tiny is so quiet, I wonder if Bear will be able to help him too.

You will find reassurance that you are not alone if you are dealing with a loss, and you may even see a little of yourself in the book's pages.

Join the mouse family on an emotional journey as Bear, their empathetic companion, helps them navigate the complexities of grief and its unique expressions.
In this beautifully written picture storybook, children (and families) will discover the stages of grief, common feelings, and meaningful ways to honor the memory of their loved ones.

With tender storytelling, this picture book reminds us that emotions aren't good or bad, right or wrong; they just are.
If you or your child are coping with loss, find solace within these pages, knowing you're not alone and that healing and hope are possible.


Awards & Endorsements

Endorsed by the Founder of the National Centre for Childhood Grief (NCCG)

I Can't Believe They're Gone has been endorsed by Dianne McKissock OAM, Co-founder of the National Centre for Childhood Grief (Australia), and internationally recognised expert in childhood bereavement with over 50 years of clinical experience.

McKissock describes the book as "a precious book that speaks to the grieving heart in all of us" and notes its value for "parents, teachers, and others who care, facilitating invaluable individual and family discussions."

— Dianne McKissock OAM, Co-founder Bereavement Care

Co-founder and Patron National Centre for Childhood Grief (NCCG)

Editorial and Trade Reviews
Editorial Reviews

"An encouraging and comforting tale about loss that may help readers process their own emotions... Brough's depictions of grief ring true, and the variations she delivers show, as Bear says, that there's not a right or wrong way to feel... Kariyawasam's gentle illustrations, a mix of ink and watercolor with anthropomorphized animals in human clothing, capture both the somber tone and the vivid colors of celebrating life... Bear's patient words are full of kindness, and each visit helps show how sorrow can take on different forms in various mourners... The actions of the mice are diverse, which offers insights into how people cope with their own big feelings."
- Kirkus Reviews

"An encouraging and comforting tale about loss that may help readers process their own emotions...Heartfelt and supportive, this is an important book to share with children who have lost a cherished companion in their lives."
- Reedsy Discovery Reviews

"I Can't Believe They're Gone by Karen Brough is a heartwarming and empathetic guide designed to provide support and understanding to children navigating the complex emotions of grief.
The narrative showcases the different emotional responses and the characters' coping mechanisms to navigate their grief. From productive activities to creative outlets, the characters find ways to channel their emotions positively. Karen Brough showcases the importance of finding healthy ways to express and process feelings. These emotions are handled delicately and realistically, allowing readers to connect with the characters and their feelings."
- Readers Favorite Review
Firebird Award Winner Death/Grief Category

'I Can't Believe They're Gone,' is the winner of the Firebird Book Awards in the Children's Death/Grief Category.

CAN Marketing Award Top Place Winner 'I Can't Believe They're Gone.'

1st Place Winner of the CAN Marketing Awards 2024.

Karen Brough for her digital marketing campaign for her children's grief book 'I Can't Believe They're Gone.'

1st Place in Web Presence & Top Place Fiction Winner.

Reader's Favorite Gold Medal Award Winner

We are pleased to share that 'I Can't Believe They're Gone,' has recently won the Gold Medal Reader's Favorite Award

8,548 Copies Sold in its First Year!

We are pleased to share with you the Amazon titles sold since its release in September 2023. (This does not include website, ingramspark, or kickstarter figures!) 8233 Print Copies & 315 ebooks on KDP

Consistent sales and precious reviews of this special grief book, helping comfort, reassure and educate children and their families all over the world is why we want this message to be shared.

Amazon Sales Rank Figures Since Release

I Can't Believe They're Gone has remained a top ranking book on Amazon, since it's release!

We are excited to share these figures with you!

Author(s)

Karen Brough

Karen Brough

Karen Brough is an accomplished Australian author and former primary school teacher with over a decade of experience educating children aged 4-12, specializing in early elementary (5-7 years old). Her diverse educational background includes a B.A. in Teaching (Primary) and a B.A. in Education from Deakin University, as well as experience in gifted education and English as a Second Language instruction. She also holds a Certificate IV in Ministry and Theology and considers herself not only a teacher, but a lifelong learner.

Drawing from her rich life experiences, including entrepreneurship and international volunteer work, Karen brings a unique perspective to her writing. Her most recent work, 'I Can't Believe They're Gone – A Kid's Grief Book that Hugs, Helps, and Gives Hope,' showcases her ability to address complex emotional topics for young readers with sensitivity and insight. This children's grief picture book, along with her award-winning six-book series, demonstrates Karen's talent for creating content that resonates across cultural boundaries. Her writing style, informed by years of working with children and navigating personal challenges, offers a blend of gentle guidance and practical support that appeals to both young readers and their caregivers.

Residing in Melbourne, Australia, Karen continues to write and blog, dedicating her work to sharing hope and insights with those facing difficulties. Her background in education, combined with her knack for addressing sensitive topics in an age-appropriate manner, positions her as a valuable voice in children's literature, particularly in the realm of emotional wellness and coping strategies.

Illustrator(s)

Hiruni Kariyawasam

Hiruni is from Sri Lanka and lives in her hometown, Ambalangoda. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design from the University of Moratuwa, and today is a full-time illustrator. She enjoys doing paintings, fine illustrations, and especially illustrations for children's books in her unique style, mixing digital and watercolour techniques. She also loves fashion, nature and reading.

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