The Slow Sunset

The Slow Sunset – Helping Little Hearts Cope With Grief
A Gentle Children’s Book About Anticipatory Grief for Ages 6–9

When someone we love is still here… but slowly becoming unwell, it can be confusing and overwhelming for a child to understand.

The Slow Sunset is a compassionate children’s grief book designed to help young readers cope with anticipatory grief — the feelings that come when someone they love is living with a serious or terminal illness.

Told through the eyes of Shane, a young boy watching his dad change from the loud, energetic “Noon-Day Sun” he once knew, this gentle story explores how grief can begin long before a goodbye, and how children can make sense of the emotions that come with it.

The Slow Sunset gently explores:

• Big feelings when a parent becomes unwell
• Anger, confusion and sadness during change
• The “Small Grays” – noticing what’s different or missing
• How illness affects the whole family
• Staying connected through love, memories and shared moments

Includes The Slow Sunset Toolkit for Children

At the heart of the book is Shane’s “Slow Sunset” Toolkit, a thoughtful collection of simple, practical ideas designed to help children process their emotions and feel less alone.

Children will also learn:

• The “Sunset Jar” – capturing small, meaningful moments to hold onto
• How having a role can help them feel strong and included
• The “North Star” idea – focusing on what never changes, like love
• That it’s okay to feel angry, sad, or confused
• That love stays, even when life is changing

This book is ideal for:

• Parents supporting a child through a loved one’s illness
• Families facing terminal illness or long-term health conditions
• Primary schools and teachers
• School counsellors and therapists
• Bereavement and family support organisations

The Slow Sunset offers comfort, understanding and reassurance for children navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences.

Because even when the light begins to fade…love is the one thing that never disappears.

Written by Wayne Hutchinson & Nadeen Swaby of Handle My Affairs
Helping families navigate life’s most difficult moments with clarity, compassion and practical support.