Zebra Who Lost His Stripes

Seepra joka kadotti raitansa

A consoling story about grief, death, comfort and hope as experienced through the eyes of a child. The book helps parents and other adults to face a child’s grief gently and safely – through a gentle story grounded in solid expert knowledge.

Little Zebra’s dearest friend Birdie has died. The sorrow of losing Birdie is so deep that Zebra loses his white stripes. The great animals of the savannah — Elephant and Giraffe — take on the role of caring adults to guide and support Zebra through his grief and despair, listening and responding to the little one’s difficult questions. Emotions are faced together. Grief is not pushed aside — it is given space, and words. As little Zebra processes the loss of his beloved Birdie, gradually his stripes return.

Grief is a part of life and speaks of love. For both big and small, it is immensely important that even in the sad moments in life, we can be safely together. The book encourages both the child and a grown up to give space to different emotions, to wonder together, and to have important conversations. The story brings comfort in moments of great sorrow.

Maaret Kallio has written her expert advise into this poignant story to help to guide and support a child after the loss of a loved one. Lotta Fors brings the world of the story to life with her beautiful and nuanced illustrations.

Materials

Finnish edition