Talking with children about death has always been a challenge and even a taboo. This story, both realist and gentle, sad and poetic, is told by a child who has just lost their mother. The author tackles this difficult theme with all the affectionate sensitivity of a father and the intelligent craftsmanship of a humanist writer whose concerns encompass both the social and the human. Not only is this a beautiful book, but also it is both appropriate and accessible for even young children.