MWSA Review

A Hui Hou - Until We Meet Again by Isabel, Hudson, and Adeline Bugge with Ashley Bugge, is a unique story of grieving the loss of a parent as told by the young children of that parent. The book is beautifully illustrated by Dawn Davidson who captures the essence of each family member in the throes of a devastating loss.

The conversation in the text among the siblings is straightforward, conveying child-like innocence and honesty. One cannot help feeling emotional when reading about the devastating event for this family. As their mother, Ashley tells her children that “It’s okay to be scared, as long as we talk about it and find a way to get through it.”

Writing A Hui Hou in the words of her children is Ashley’s way of leading them toward the pathway of healing. The exercise helps each child remember how much each loves and misses their father at the same time validating how much he loves them, even though he’s gone. I highly recommend A Hui Hou - Until We Meet Again.

Review by Nancy Panko (March 2021)
 

Author's Synopsis
One day in Hawaii, while doing what he loved most, Dadda is lost in a terrible diving accident. At first, Izzy, Hudson, and Addy don't understand what's happened. Why is Momma so sad? Why hasn't Dadda come home for dinner yet? Why are so many people visiting and giving them new toys? But as time passes, the three siblings start to realize where their Dadda has gone. It takes them a lot of bravery to understand why it's OK to be happy that he gets to dive forever while also being sad because they miss him so much. A Hui Hou: Until We Meet Again is the heart-wrenching true story of a family's devastating loss. But it is also a story about understanding, accepting, and processing death and grief, uniquely narrated by children, for children. Izzy, Hudson, and Addy share their experience in the pure, emotional, and unfiltered way needed to help young minds grasp the impossible: the loss of a loved one.

ISBN/ASIN: 1612544568

Book Format(s): Hard cover

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Picture Book

Number of Pages: 32