When I first read "Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying," I thought it was about preparing a child for the death of a terminally ill loved one. After all, the story tells about Amanda, a squirrel, and her friends Little Tree and Gentle Willow. One day Amanda notices that Gentle Willow looks and feels differently. Amanda becomes concerned about her friend and calls in Fixumup and Imageen the tree wizards, who check Gentle Willow and have to admit that while they can make her feel more comfortable and help her feel stronger, they cannot make her all better. The tree wizards comfort Amanda about the impending loss of her friend by explaining about the special gifts called memories.

When I finished reading this book I turned to the introduction and learned "Gentle Willow" was written for children who may not survive their illness as well as for the children who know them. I have to admit, I thought this sensitive book would also help children prepare for the death of a grandparent, or someone of any age. The basic metaphor of the caterpillars turning into butterflies applies any loved one. Dr. Mills developed this book out of an earlier effort, "Little Tree: A Story for Children with Serious Medical Problems," which reflects her specialty in storytelling as a healing process of children and adults. Obviously, this book will touch adults as well as the children for whom it was intended. The watercolor illustrations by Michael Chesworth captures the shifting tones of this tale, especially through the subtle changes on the face of Amanda, as sadness is replaced by hope through the healing power of love.

I wish your children will never have a need for such a book, but if the situation arises, I hope that you find this book.

A lot of childrens' books about death are either specific to one religion, or not spiritual at all. This book is a nice bridge between the two extremes. It alludes to the metamorphosis of caterpillar into butterfly, and it describes death as change of form rather than an ending. It also talks about how the living can comfort the dying and how the we cherish memories of them after death. All of this is brought up very tenderly, in the context of a squirrel whose friend, a tree, is dying. The book even touches on the emotions of anger and fear, without dwelling too much on negatives.

I read this book to my 9 year old daughter when we found out her cancer was terminal. It helped her and her friends deal better with her impending death. I highly recommend this book to people who are dealing with children and death.

Joyce Mills, Ph.D. does in Reconnecting to the Magic of Life, what Julia Cameron did in The Artist's Way. Reading this book feels like spending beautiful time with a learned friend who integrates stories and ceremonies from many cultures including Hawaiian, Native American and Jewish. Where Julia Cameron uses the tasks of writing to enhance daily creativity, Dr. Mills utilizes story telling and active play "Steppingstones" that can be tangible, 3-dimensional objects and images created to hold in your hand and heart. She instills an attitude of looking daily for magical moments with people and nature. "Where you stand you pray" encapsulates her beautiful in-the-moment style and direction of life and the work she does with clients

Easily this book could have been called, "Transitions to the Magic of Life" as Dr. Mills embodies Milton H. Erickson's utilization principle through story telling and metaphor. Her specialty is viewing difficult life transitions as opportunities for "Steppingstones" into greater love, creativity and depth of compassion for our relations and selves. Poignant, loving stories are shared, such as the death or illness of a loved one, natural disasters, coming to creative terms of raising a mentally or physically challenged child, moving 3000 miles away to make your dreams come true, facing personal rejection and more.

The metaphor of a butterfly's life particularly hit home. There are four stages of a butterfly's transformation: the Egg, the Caterpillar, the Chrysalis (Cocoon) and the Emerging Butterfly. Last year my husband and I bought a house by the sea adjacent to a nationally designated estuary. As is my practice, I name our homes. This one is called, "Cocoon de Luz" which means cocoon of light in Spanish. It is a place we nurture what Dr. Mills calls Imaginal Discs, a biological term indicating that there are cells that are genetically encrypted to propel the butterfly's transition from the chrysalis stage to the emerging butterfly if all the conditions are right. I would imagine if Butterfly's have documented "Imaginal discs, then surly we humans do too.

All great teachers seem to have this ability that Dr. Mills instills: to make tangible helping people to uniquely identify and move from a boxed-in chrysalis stage to emerging as a butterfly in daily lives. Her stories will make you laugh, cry and think. Without a doubt, the most touching story to me was at the very end, "The Banana Kiss." I suppose you will have to read this joyful book to the last page to find out what it is.

This book touched me deeply. I would recommend it highly to anyone struggling with transitions in their life. Joyce opens her heart and shares her deepest fears. We can all relate to what she's gone through and learn from her strength, wisdom and storytelling.

This healing story of a tree whose branches are taken from her in a storm helps children find comfort and inspiration in their own journey. The author writes with sensitivity and the illustrations are delightful. I would recommend this book to anyone who facilitates the healing process of children.