Out of the Storm is a therapeutic, hands-on activity book that helps children navigate the turmoil of the loss of a sibling. Siblings experience grief very deeply, and every sibling relationship is unique. When a sibling dies, the remaining sibling often has to grow up faster than they should. Parents, who tend to get most of the attention from well-wishers, also have a lot to cope with at that time.

Children can make their way through this workbook on their own, or with the help of a supportive adult. It covers all aspects of the grieving process, from going to the funeral (or missing it), making a plan for getting by day by day, and understanding the huge emotions they are struggling with. It guides the child through the process of grief, while comforting, explaining, and validating their feelings.

Joanne Marks is a thanatologist who works with the dying and their families. She is a grief counsellor, has worked as an End-of-Life Doula, and volunteers with Palliative Manitoba. Marks loves working in all areas of death, dying, and bereavement care. Her focus is filling the shortage in areas of bereavement care that need more resources. Over the years, she has come to realize that there just aren’t the resources for children to work out their feelings about their loss of a sibling. That gap inspired her to create Out of the Storm.

Marks lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with her husband, son, and beloved dog, Lazer.