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"Golden Flowers for Little Dragon," illustrated by Gareth Jones, supports children preparing for or coping with the death of a sibling. The Book Guild, October 2021. 

It is a story of love and grief as two dragon siblings, Tan and Dewi, come to terms with the loss of their younger brother. 

With thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England for making this project possible.

"Blodau Aur i Dreigyn," a Welsh edition of the book will also be published by the Book Guild, 2021. With thanks to  Swansea Bay University Health Board Children's Services and Wendy Bartlett, Owner of Med Team Recruitment and founder of Swansea Bay Community Knitters, Crocheters and Crafters for supporting the publication of the Welsh edition. 

Families often seek help from professionals around how to talk to other children when they are caring for a life limited child.
Stories are key to gently helping families understand and explore difficult topics together. This beautifully written story gently explores the most difficult of topics, the death of a sibling. It is clearly structured, allowing children to recognise themselves and their brother or sister at different times through expected death, immediate bereavement and into the future. The acknowledgment that it is ok to both be sad and to enjoy life as it unravels in the future is a lovely supportive message to share."
 
I look forward to recommending this story to families in the future and only wish it had been around for many families in the past."
​From  Dr Jo Griffiths  Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Medicine & Community Child Health All Wales Managed Clinical Network & Swansea Bay University Health

Reviews

Mindfulness can be a hard concept for young children to comprehend, using a picture book such as Whispa and the Waves is a great resource. The teaching resources linked to the book link closely to the techniques already taught in schools which again really helped. We now have the book in our mindfulness area accompanied by a basket of shells and starfish, children as young as 4 years old are independently using Whispa's techniques when they need to calm down." Catrin Parton, Reception Teacher, Swansea

"I can't sing like Whispa the mermaid but I can breathe like her to help me be calm," Reception pupil, Swansea

"Through tear filled eyes. This is the most significant and important children's book that I've ever read. I'll treasure these words for a long time. What a beautiful gift to be able to give a child. Every child should have access to this book. What a truly gorgeous read." Jemma Buntin. 

"Knowing the context and inspiration for this book, it is both heart-breaking, soul-taking but ultimately a force of positivity. Ffion Jones specialises in writing books to help children work through difficult life issues, including the challenging subject of child bereavement. But should challenging issues, especially where children are concerned, be hidden away in a dark and unspoken place? Never! Stories must be told and inspirational lives must be held up high, for all to see." Dale Neal.

"This is a beautifully written book that deals with sensitive issues and emotions in a supportive and gentle way that will help families and children cope with the loss of a loved one. The illustrations are stunning and can be used to generate conversations within families and help children to explore their feelings and emotions. We are very fortunate to have this book in our school to help pupils who are dealing with illness or loss within their family. We are using it during Thrive and Elsa sessions and will read a little at a time, allowing the child time to talk about what is happening and how they feel. It has supported children in our school to talk about their own experiences and help them to understand that it's ok to feel a range of emotions. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough and feel that every school should have it to support those children who may are dealing with illness and grief within the family." Jenny Caddy.

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