The Dragonfly Door
by John Adams; illustrated by Barbara Leonard Gibson
Published by Feather Rock Books
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Reviewed by Sabrina Williams
The Dragonfly Door is the story of two water nymphs, Lea and Nym, who become best friends and share a nest. One day, Nym becomes upset with Lea and leaves home in a huff. Lea sets out to pick flowers for Nym to make it up to her. When Nym returns later that day to apologize to Lea, she finds that Lea isn’t at home. She searches for Lea for days with no luck. Lea never returns. Frustrated and heartbroken, Nym falls asleep in the nest.
While Nym sleeps, Lea visits her in her dreams. She informs Nym that she is well and is waiting for her. She is in a better place, and has transformed into a beautiful dragonfly. She explains to Lea how she, too, will become a dragonfly one day and leave the marsh to rejoin her best friend in the sky.
The Dragonfly Door is both informational and spiritual. The story is followed up with information on the life cycle of a dragonfly for those craving an educational focus. The core story is a message of healing for children coping with the loss of a loved one. Reaching out to children using the science of nature to address a sensitive and difficult topic, The Dragonfly Door is an invaluable tool for communication during a sensitive period.
Adams realistically portrays the process of grieving as Nym doesn’t magically become better overnight when she receives Lea’s visit. It takes time and new friends, but the message is that deep down, she knows she will be okay. It is also a beautiful addition to a child’s bookshelf with its peaceful, yet colorful illustrations by Barbara Leonard Gibson.
When purchasing the book, Feather Rock Books donates a portion of the proceeds to The Dragonfly Organization, a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers dedicated to comforting those suffering from loss.
Armchair Interviews says: Unique look at grieving and loss.
Web site: http://www.DragonflyDoor.com