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A Grandfamily for Sullivan: Coping Skills for Kinship Care Families (Sullivan's Healing Journey) Paperback – November 20, 2019

by Beth Winkler Tyson (Author), Adam Walker-Parker (Illustrator)

167 ratings

Part of: Sullivan's Healing Journey (2 books)

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Are you caring for a child with BIG emotions related to loss and childhood trauma? A Grandfamily for Sullivan is a therapeutic story, designed with soothing imagery and sensitive language to help children cope with life after adverse childhood experiences (ACES). Sullivan is a scared koala who suddenly has to live with his Grandma when his parents are unable to keep him safe. He is worried about his parents and what will happen next in his life, but he is too afraid to talk to Grandma about his thoughts and feelings. One day at the park, Grandma tries to be helpful, but Sullivan lashes out at her in anger! While he is taking time to cool off, Sullivan meets a friend who walked in his shoes before. This new friend teaches Sullivan how to find the courage to move forward with his life.In this tenderhearted story, a child removed from his parents due to abuse and neglect can find hope using the same techniques that help Sullivan manage his thoughts and feelings. Throughout the story, children learn to: Identify sensations in their bodies related to negative emotions, build mindfulness skills for managing anxiety, find the courage to share their thoughts with others, understand that all families are different, and accept that life is often uncertain. A Grandfamily for Sullivan builds awareness for foster, kinship, and adoptive families, and teaches children how to empathize with peers from various family constellations. It is a must-read book to help reduce bullying and instill empathy for children who are raised by someone other than their biological parents. Come join Sullivan, his Grandma, and a wise friend as they weather the storms of life in this empowering story about family separation, courage, and what it's like to become a grandfamily. A Grandfamily for Sullivan is a crucial resource for families broken apart by mental health issues, incarceration, and the opioid epidemic. But, this book is more than a story, it is empowering young people to take control of their mental health. In the back of the book there is a list of remarkable people who have been raised by grandparents or relatives, additional coping techniques for children, and trauma-informed parenting guidance. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK: "I was so excited to see this book land on my doorstep. I read it with my grandson while I cried throughout the book. It was spot on like it was written just for us. My Grandson was very still and quiet, not his usual response to storytime. When we were done, my husband came in, and the three of us had a pinky swear pact that we are officially a Grandfamily. Thank you so much! I can't wait to give a copy to our Kinship Support Worker." - Christine, A Grandmother raising her Grandson."I feel calm" - Avery, eight years old.”"I showed my family therapist your book, she loved it so much that she immediately bought a copy for the children she works with. Your good work is gaining ground!" - Danny, Grandparent Raising Grandchildren

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2019
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 44 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1706794665
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1706794660
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.2 ounces
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years, from customers
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.11 x 8.5 inches
Part of series ‏ : ‎ Sullivan's Healing Journey

Best Sellers Rank: #228,533 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #195 in Children's Books on Orphans & Foster Homes
- #2,679 in Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings (Books)

Customer Reviews:
167 ratings

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About the authors

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Adam Walker-Parker
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Adam is an award-winning children's book illustrator with more than 50 illustrated books. His work has appeared in Artists & Illustrators magazine, The Daily Telegraph, and The Book Seller. He has worked with many publishers, including Farshore Books, Oxford University Press, Beaming Books, and Hodder Education.
He lives in the Highlands of Scotland, in the Cairngorm National Park, with his wife and three children.
Adam is represented by Lucy at The Plum Agency.
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Beth Winkler Tyson
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Beth Tyson is a childhood trauma expert, public speaker, and children’s book author. Her tender-hearted book, A Grandfamily for Sullivan, is about a koala who is suddenly being raised by his grandma when his parents are unable to keep him safe. With soothing illustrations and sensitive language, her book is a therapeutic tool to help adults and children cope with adversity and trauma.
Beth offers trigger-free parenting coaching and trauma-informed training for organizations who serve children She is also a CASA volunteer within the child welfare system and the mom to a spirited little girl who loves to pick out shapes in the clouds.
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Customer reviews

167 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book valuable for kinship care families, with one noting it includes useful strategies for both children and adults navigating special relationships. Moreover, the story is relatable and excellent for all kids, with beautiful illustrations and writing. Additionally, customers appreciate its emotional content, with one mentioning how it validates children's feelings.

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Coping skills Story quality Education for kids Visual quality Emotional content

18 customers mention "Coping skills"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for coping skills, particularly for kinship care families, with one customer noting it includes useful strategies for both children and adults navigating special relationships.

"...It allows a jumping off point for needed conversation and provides coping tools. The addendum for adults was clear and supportive...." Read more

"...It was so relatable and healing to my almost 6 year old granddaughter, and to me, and it was a wonderful experience reading it with her the first..." Read more

"...This book validates the feelings she feels and teaches how to cope. I can't express enough gratitude for this...." Read more

"...Such a beautiful story that speaks on trauma, loss and emotions. I enjoyed reading it and the resources provided at the end...." Read more

10 customers mention "Story quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the story quality of the book, finding it precious and relatable.

"...It was so relatable and healing to my almost 6 year old granddaughter, and to me, and it was a wonderful experience reading it with her the first..." Read more

"...Such a beautiful story that speaks on trauma, loss and emotions. I enjoyed reading it and the resources provided at the end...." Read more

"...We are so thankful to Beth Tyson, the author of this precious story that speaks to our hearts." Read more

"...grandparents are raising their grandchildren, this book offers a wonderful story and guidance for both children and adults navigating this special..." Read more

8 customers mention "Education for kids"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent for all children, with one customer noting how it teaches compassion, while another mentions how it provides permission to keep loving biological parents.

"...I think it would also be good for all kids as it teaches them how to cope with nervous feelings that everyone experiences from time to time..." Read more

"...It also provides permission to keep loving bio-parents regardless of mistakes they may have made or problems they may have...." Read more

"This was a charming and endearing book that meets a genuine need for children who are basing raised by their grandparents...." Read more

"...It teaches children that not all families look the same. Great book!" Read more

8 customers mention "Visual quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the beautiful illustrations and writing style of the book.

"So impressed with everything about this book. First look reveals cover art that is stylish and adorable. It drew in my granddaughter immediately...." Read more

"This book is beautifully written. The author does a wonderful job addressing the complex trauma issues facing young children and families...." Read more

"This is a beautiful book! We have custody of our 3 grandchildren and this book fit's the situation perfectly, especially for the oldest...." Read more

"...The illustrations are adorable. I highly recommend this book. It will not disappoint!" Read more

6 customers mention "Emotional content"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's emotional content, finding it comforting and supportive, with one customer noting how it validates their feelings and another describing it as heartwarming.

"...The addendum for adults was clear and supportive...." Read more

"...This book validates the feelings she feels and teaches how to cope. I can't express enough gratitude for this...." Read more

"...Such a beautiful story that speaks on trauma, loss and emotions. I enjoyed reading it and the resources provided at the end...." Read more

"...The story resonates with them. They are comforted by it and so are we...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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Mary W
Exactly what our family needed!
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

So impressed with everything about this book. First look reveals cover art that is stylish and adorable. It drew in my granddaughter immediately. The dedication to families living with ambiguous loss made me cry. The content was PERFECT. It allows a jumping off point for needed conversation and provides coping tools. The addendum for adults was clear and supportive. I cannot believe this is self-published when millions of kids in the US alone are not being raised by their parents. I have ordered a good number of “small batch” books that address social-emotional-behavioral and cultural needs and have almost always been disappointed by the message and the medium. This book is amazing and important. Thank you! Thank you!

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Amy Pumpelly
Our new favorite book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is a must have for grandfamilies and kinship families! It was so relatable and healing to my almost 6 year old granddaughter, and to me, and it was a wonderful experience reading it with her the first time! This story allowed her to see that there are other families just like us, and that it's ok to have all the feelings that come with what we have experienced.
I think it would also be good for all kids as it teaches them how to cope with nervous feelings that everyone experiences from time to time regardless what their family looks like!
Seriously though, this is our new favorite book and I hope lots and lots of kids get to read it!

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Amy Pumpelly

Our new favorite book!

Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2020
This book is a must have for grandfamilies and kinship families! It was so relatable and healing to my almost 6 year old granddaughter, and to me, and it was a wonderful experience reading it with her the first time! This story allowed her to see that there are other families just like us, and that it's ok to have all the feelings that come with what we have experienced.
I think it would also be good for all kids as it teaches them how to cope with nervous feelings that everyone experiences from time to time regardless what their family looks like!
Seriously though, this is our new favorite book and I hope lots and lots of kids get to read it!

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One person found this helpful

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Kristal Dunn
My granddaughter felt seen!
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I've already shared the excitement over this book with others. I'm a mental health counselor plus a mimi raising a grandchild. She's about to be 9 and was excited to read a story that she said is about us! This book validates the feelings she feels and teaches how to cope. I can't express enough gratitude for this. She also likes seeing the names of famous people that have lived with their grandparents too and believes her name should be added.

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Kristal Dunn

My granddaughter felt seen!

Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2023
I've already shared the excitement over this book with others. I'm a mental health counselor plus a mimi raising a grandchild. She's about to be 9 and was excited to read a story that she said is about us! This book validates the feelings she feels and teaches how to cope. I can't express enough gratitude for this. She also likes seeing the names of famous people that have lived with their grandparents too and believes her name should be added.

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One person found this helpful

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Amazon Customer
Beautiful story!
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I am a psychotherapist and purchased this book to use in sessions with clients. Such a beautiful story that speaks on trauma, loss and emotions. I enjoyed reading it and the resources provided at the end. I look forward to using it in session.

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Cindy Fisher
Gentle story normalizing grandparents lovingly raising kiddos
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a wonderful resource for therapists who work with grandfamilies. By using sweet animal characters, it removes the trigger of seeing a child in their circumstance so elementary aged kiddos can learn about how loving families can be when raised by caring grandparents. It also provides permission to keep loving bio-parents regardless of mistakes they may have made or problems they may have. It gives the young ones permission to experience all the feelings including good ones of safety and love with their grandparents. I highly recommend it to fellow child therapists and to grandfamilies alike.

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gayle h. swift
Kinship Families Find Representation
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2022
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This was a charming and endearing book that meets a genuine need for children who are basing raised by their grandparents. Beth Tyson is a therapist who understands the complicated emotions that this difficult circumstance engenders. Sullivan is a relatable character whose emotions and behaviors are typical of kids experiencing this rearranging of family relationships. Young readers will be able to see themselves so they will feel less alone as they strive to cope and heal.

Tyson includes useful strategies to guide grandparents in meeting the needs of their grandchildren whom they are parenting with hope and skill. --Gayle H. Swift, author of "ABC, Adoption & Me", "Reimagining Adoption" and "We're Adopted, So What?"

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Dawnelle Bryant
The emotions felt by Sullivan
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Everything was spot on for our situation. Even if your children live with you, it's a great book in helping children to understand why their classmates parents are always absent and their fellow classmates has guardians that care for them and attend school functions and extracurricular activities. Our granddaughter lives with us and we have permanent legal guardianship. She is in therapy and her psychologist sees her at school, which has raised questions by her friends because our granddaughter eats her lunch alone with her therapist. It has helped me to understand that her being angry with me and often times just rude and disrespectful to me and papaw, is her showing sadness, anxiety, anger, or even confusion. Now we have a tool on how to help her and ourselves, we read about Sullivan and it truly helps her. She wants him read to her every night at bedtime. This book isn't a disappointment, it is a must.
Enjoy...
Note to Author... please make more Sullivan stories... maybe for just emotions, and it's okay to be sad for any reason or situation.
Maybe one for being defiant and how Sullivan would handle the situation or the grandparents, or parents. ❤️

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DF
Beautifully written
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2022
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is beautifully written. The author does a wonderful job addressing the complex trauma issues facing young children and families. She combines reality with hope. The tools for adults and advocates at the very end of the book add an extra benefit of helping families just like Sullivan's. The illustrations are adorable as well. Well done!

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Top reviews from other countries

Shannon Carbone
So relatable!
Reviewed in Canada on May 10, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I highly recommend this book for Grandfamilies. It was a touching way to bring out feelings and help my grandchild realize they were not alone in the big changes in their life. They even asked me if I had the book made especially for them. I commend the authors on writing such a deeply helpful book. The characters were so relatable. Bravo!!

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Pamela Convery
Worth the money
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Very help

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Christine
Grandparenting Kinship Book
Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
We received this book earlier this week. It was perfect as our grandson has just come to live with us. While reading this book to him I felt like someone finally gets what it is like for our newly named Grandfamily. My grandson could relate to Sullivan and his feelings. What a gift to have this book when we are struggling with our new normal. Thank you Beth for writing this book. Hugs and Best wishes to you.

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Helene LAlande
She is not alone
Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2022
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I thought it would talk about jail and drugs. I thought it would be a hard cover book for the price. Reading it with my granddaughter helped a little.

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A Grandfamily for Sullivan: Coping Skills for Kinship Care Families (Sullivan's Healing Journey) Paperback – November 20, 2019

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My granddaughter felt seen!

Top reviews from the United States

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Our new favorite book!

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My granddaughter felt seen!

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Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars So relatable!

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the money

5.0 out of 5 stars Grandparenting Kinship Book

3.0 out of 5 stars She is not alone

So relatable!

Worth the money

Grandparenting Kinship Book

She is not alone