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How Can I Help, Papa?

By Elissa Al-Chokhachy and illustrated by Ulrike Graf

How Can I Help Papa? is an endearing illustrated children's story about a nine year-old girl and her terminally-ill grandfather. It was written to meet the emotional and educational needs of children, ages 6-12, with a terminally-ill loved one in their lives. Children need to know that feelings are OK, even the uncomfortable ones. It is important that they gently learn how to grieve and even have the opportunity to say goodbye.

In a time of helplessness and uncertainty, children and their families need direction about the things that can be done to maximize their time together. They need reassurance and hope that they will get through this difficulty and that life will return to normalcy, even after the loss of their significant loved one.

Other books by Elissa Al-Chokhachy & Ulrike Graf

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REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS FOR: HOW CAN I HELP, PAPA?

"Al-Chokhachy offers us a handsomely and sensitively crafted book (hard cover) for children and the adults in their lives focusing on a child’s journey through the dying and death of a grandfather. The artwork is beautiful, colorful, and appropriate to text and theme. The story unfolds in warm, inviting ways to capture the heart of the reader and then give them lots of room and safety to unfold in ways that they must for their own grieving and healing. 

We see the natural curiosity of a child, the honesty of parents who share rather than hide (shielding the child) their feelings, and a family able to come together around a common love and a common loss. This book will be a wise counsel for children and a good resource to facilitate discussion."
- The World Pastoral Care Center

"I liked your book because it reminded me of all the things my Papa and I did. It made me feel like it was written for me even though we have never met. I too was very close to my Papa. When I read it for the first time, I got a warm, fuzzy feeling.  Thank you for writing this book. I think it’s great! "
- A. J. Lupo, 10 years old

"How Can I Help, Papa? is a very real story that offers concrete ways for children to help an ailing grandparent. It gives children permission to be sad, it encourages talking and to actually say goodbye to a loved one without feeling it is “bad”. Not only is it a book for children, but for adults who are dealing with children and grief. Papa is a touching story on a subject that is often overlooked by families. We think Elissa should send it to the Oprah Book Club!"
- Elementary Guidance Staff, Peabody Public School System

"One of the best books I have read for children dealing with someone who is terminally ill."
- Cindy Eastwood, Hospice Outreach of Fall River

"How Can I Help, Papa? is an invaluable resource for anyone trying to help children prepare for and cope with the illness and loss of a loved one. Children’s feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are addressed and alleviated through gentle reminders of pleasant times, inspirational messages, and simple acts of kindness that children of all ages can understand and take part in."
- Christina M. MacGregor, First grade teacher & mother of a 3 year-old son

"The straightforward, unpretentious text will comfort and reassure and inform. Combined with the pleasing illustrations, the story establishes a tone of friendly, inviting domesticity that should make children (and adults) feel safe."
- Martha Stout, LSW