Dudley's Bag: A Story of Grief and Healing

By Eleanor Dalzell

What do we do with the feelings we carry when someone we love is gone?

Dudley's Bag is a tender, beautifully illustrated story about loss, memory, and moving forward. When grief arrives in Dudley's life, it feels like a heavy bag he can't put down. Some days it's almost too much to carry-other days, it feels lighter. At school, no one else can see it, but Dudley knows it's always there-until he notices that others carry bags of their own. By helping a friend with theirs, Dudley learns that while his bag will always be a part of him, it can become lighter-and so can his heart.

This gentle tale, written and illustrated by Eleanor Dalzell, helps children ages 6-9 explore grief in a safe, age-appropriate way. It encourages open conversations about emotions, the importance of empathy, and the healing power of connection. With warm, expressive artwork, simple heartfelt language, and engaging activity pages at the end, the book creates a comforting space for young readers to understand that love and loss often walk side by side.

Perfect for:

-Parents and caregivers seeking to help children process loss

-Teachers, librarians, and counselors looking for an engaging, therapeutic read-aloud

-Families who want to encourage empathy and resilience

-Fans of The Invisible String and Ida, Always

Dudley's Bag is more than a story-it's a companion for the journey through grief, reminding young hearts that they're never alone in what they carry, and that with time, love, and kindness, even the heaviest bag can feel lighter.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1961763958
• ISBN13: 9781961763951
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: Open Kimono Publishing
• Length: 36 Pages
• Weight: 0.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4