"A celebration of the lasting power of happy memories and a perfect way to talk to young children about loss"
For all that it’s a book about loss, The Fun We Had is bursting with joy, a celebration of happiness, days out and shared memories.
A young girl visits her nana as the seasons pass, each time receiving a hug and a kiss, and together the two share memories of the happy times they’ve spent together. They remember sailing paper boats, splashing at the beach, making dens in the woods, and picnics in the garden.
These days Nana is poorly and when the child suggests ways to make her better, the answer is always the same: you can’t make me better, but you’ll always bring me joy. When Nana is no longer there, the happy memories remain, providing so much comfort and still bringing joy.
It’s a perfect way to talk to young children about sadness and loss, and a truly lovely testament to that very special relationship between grandparent and child. The rhyming text is poignant but understated and Sam Usher’s watercolour and ink illustrations beautifully document the changing seasons, the carefree joy of young children and the lasting power or happiness.
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