Rafa Was My Robot
By (Author) Alexandra Dellevoet
Illustrated by Ken Turner
Annick Press Ltd
Annick Press Ltd
23rd January 2014
Canada
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Death and grief
813.6
32
Width 229mm, Height 229mm
284g
A gentle tale of love, friendship, and loss. Rafa the robot goes everywhere with Jacobto swim lessons, to school, and even on trips to far-off places. One day, Rafa doesnt feel well, so Jacob takes him to the doctor. When the doctor explains that Rafas special robot battery needs replacing, Jacob travels the world to find the right one. Sadly, he comes back empty-handed, and one day soon after, as Jacob holds Rafas hand, his robot friend dies. Jacob is heartbroken, but he creates a memorial that helps him honor Rafa so that he is always close by. This quietly moving picture book will help young children through the difficult process of losing someone or something they love. Without diminishing the pain of losing a loved one, Rafa Was My Robot conveys a comforting message that by keeping them in your heart, they are never far away. With touches of whimsical humor, the softly colored illustrations on a sunny yellow background provide a warm and reassuring backdrop to this poignant story. Parents and educators will find it an invaluable resource when trying to explain death to young children.
Ken Turner is an illustrator and animation filmmaker. His company Freak Show Studios produces short films, web series and illustrated books. He lives in Halifax. Visit his website at www.kenturner.blogspot.com