In 2019, author Addy Farmer began working on a book for 7 – 10 years olds around the subject of parental suicide. It is called, I LOVE YOU, SUNSHINE and is illustrated by Darren Gates.
It tells the story of eight-year-old Milly, who lives with her family by the sea, where she and her dad build sun-shining, happy memories. Her world is shattered when her dad takes his own life leaving her confused and feeling guilty that maybe it was in some way her fault. It takes a growing understanding and time for Milly to find ways to pick up the pieces of life without Dad and to remember him with happiness.
In 2021 Rhubarb Theatre worked creatively with the story to produce a simple ‘stop motion animation’. Then, taking advice from Child Bereavement UK and Lincolnshire NHS Trust, Addy and Rhubarb co-created a support pack that has been endorsed by Child Bereavement UK.
With a huge amount of thanks to all our supporters and funders, this is the final result:
To order a copy of the book, download the pack, watch the animation, or contact us for more information, simply click on the links below.
Link to Addy’s book – https://addyfarmer.com/front-page/books/i-love-you-sunshine/
Support Pack – Resource pack for 1 to 1.docx – Google Docs
