RAFA WAS MY ROBOT
Written by Alexandra D and illustrated by Ken Turner.
Published by Annick Press Ltd. In 2014
A gentle tale of love, friendship, and loss. Rafa the robot goes everywhere with Jacob—to swim lessons, to school, and even on trips to far-off places. One day, Rafa doesn’t feel well, so Jacob takes him to the doctor. When the doctor explains that Rafa’s special robot battery needs replacing, Jacob travels the world to find the right one. Sadly, he comes back empty-handed, and one day soon after, as Jacob holds Rafa’s hand, his robot friend dies. Jacob is heartbroken, but he creates a memorial that helps him honor Rafa so that he is always close by. This quietly moving picture book will help young children through the difficult process of losing someone or something they love. Without diminishing the pain of losing a loved one, Rafa Was My Robot conveys a comforting message that by keeping them in your heart, they are never far away. With touches of whimsical humor, the softly colored illustrations on a sunny yellow background provide a warm and reassuring backdrop to this poignant story. Parents and educators will find it an invaluable resource when trying to explain death to young children.
INSIDE THE BOOK
REVIEWS
“Dellevoet delivers her valuable message about grief with an effectively light touch. Just lovely.”
—Kirkus Reviews *starred review, 07/16/14
“Comfortingly dealing with the process of grief, this lovable tale tugs at the heart as the characters’ facial expressions and bold use of color reveal both solemnity and joy.”
—Foreword Reviews, Winter 2014
“The difficult topics of grief and loss are broached in an accessible and gentle manner, making Rafa was my Robot a valuable resource for sharing with young children.”
—National Reading Campaign, 11/13/14
“The illustrations are imaginative and clever … The quirky tale tugs at your heart …”
—Resource Links, 02/15
“… a kind and honest book … It’s not often in North America that we see a book with this level of honesty about death.”
—Canadian Children’s Book News, 03/15
“Beautifully illustrated, colourful, and written in a way children can understand … a moving story … ”
—Quebec Library Association Bulletin, 04/15
KNIGHT LIGHT
In development