Purple Love
One day, ten-year-old Sarah and her mother are walking through a meadow on their way to the playground when they discover a nest of bunnies. Sarah’s mother tells the child not to touch them, as the mother rabbit may not return if she smells a human. As they continue on their walk they find the mother rabbit alongside the road. She is dead. Sarah has many questions about what will happen next to the mother and the babies. Sarah’s mother explains to her that all living creatures are made of energy and when it is time to leave their bodies, their energy joins the other energy in the universe. This energy combines and becomes something the universe needs-perhaps a tree, a butterfly, or a river-but always something special.
Sarah remembers her grandmother who died, wondering where her energy has gone. When she remembers all the things her grandmother loved, Sarah realizes that her grandmother’s energy may be in many different places, including in herself.
Sarah and her mother place flower petals over the mother rabbit and decide to take the baby rabbits home to take care of them. They will find homes for the other bunnies and Sarah will keep one for herself. She names it Purple Love and knows she will always look at nature knowing that everything is made of energy like herself.
The soft watercolor illustrations add a warmth to this peaceful story of life and death. Teachers, librarians and parents searching for a book to introduce the subject of death to young children will find that this one may facilitate discussions with children who are dealing with death through the loss of either a pet or a loved one.
An afterword at the end of Purple Love explains the author’s corporation, Purple People, founded to spread love and peace throughout the universe by promoting equality and respect for all living creatures. She chose the color purple because it is the color of spirituality and healing. Part of the proceeds of this book will be donated to charities that benefit children, animals, and the environment.
Reviewed by
Diane Pozar
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
