When you purchase Missing by Best Friend from this site it will be a SIGNED copy!

In Missing my Best Friend author Norma Thorstad Knapp has crafted a story about the power of friendship between two young boys, the subsequent grief when one boy dies, and the power of a family's love. Told through the eyes of a young boy, this is a beautifully written and illustrated book about one boy's grief, how his family is affected, and how parents and grandparents gently help him cope and heal. With honesty, compassion, and sensitivity, Knapp's evocative and comforting words address issues children have when someone they care about dies unexpectedly. Missing my Best Friend is an insightful story to read aloud with children to encourage a conversation about an important and challenging topic; and Faythe Mills' soft pastel drawings poignantly capture the tender nature of children's friendships and the healing power of love.

How does a family cope with unexpected loss? Told through the eyes of the young boy, this story addresses his grief and shows how parents and grandparents can help a child mourn and cope with the unexpected loss of someone close. Feelings of sadness and anger that the child has are sensitively portrayed, and the book further shows ways adults can help a young child commemorate the loss of a special life, and eventually heal. This warm and gentle gift of love, Missing My Best Friend is mirrored by its understated, realistic pastel drawings. The book not only celebrates the resilience of children, but the help and love that caring adults can bring to the life of a child during a time of tragedy.

You can also find the book in the following stores!

Trumm Drug, Glenwood, MN
Valley Troll, Glenwood, MN
Mainly Cuts, Glenwood, MN
BookWorld, Alexandria, MN
Cherry Street Books, Alexandria, MN
Trumm Drug, Alexandria, MN
The Mustard Seed, Alexandria, MN
Buffalo Books, Buffalo, MN
Sister Wolf Books, Dorset, MN
Beagle Books, Park Rapids, MN
Book World, Bemidji, MN
Trumm Drug, Elbow Lake, MN
Melbergs Book Store, Moorhead, MN
Art Galley in Morris, MN
Marc's on Main - Dawson, MN
Turtle Town - Nisswa, MN
Book World - Brainerd, MN
Trumm Drug, Elbow Lake, MN
Millpond Mercantile, New London, MN
Melbergs Bookstore, Moorhead, MN
Good News Bookstore in Willmar, MN
Trumm Pharmacy in the Alexandria Clinic in Alexandria, MN
Rauk Family Dentistry, Alexandria, MN
Trumm Drug, Elbow Lake, MN
Trumm Drug, Parkers Prairie, MN
Lakes Area Theatre, Alexandria, MN
Snooty Fox Shop, Annandale, MN

Western Edge Bookstore, Medora, ND
Faith Expressions Christian Bookstore, Dickinson, ND
The Little German House, Strasburg, ND
Rainbow Book Store, Bismarck, ND
Heirlooms, Fargo, ND

About the Author and Illustrator

Norma Thorstad Knapp grew up in western North Dakota, Idaho, and Oregon. Her family moved often, giving her a rich foundation for writing. After college, she worked as a registered nurse, educator, crisis counselor, youth specialist, and bereavement facilitator in cities in North Dakota, Texas, and Minnesota. She has published numerous stories, essays and poems; several short stories and a sermon have won awards. Her days are full with reading, writing, traveling, time with grandchildren, creating note cards, and hospice volunteer bereavement work. She has a grown daughter and son and four grandchildren.

Faythe Mills is a graphic artist living in Glenwood, Minnesota, on beautiful Lake Minnewaska. Although she works with a variety of mediums, pastels are her favorite when illustrating. She has also illustrated 'The Captain's Hat' and 'The Adventures of Molly & Skunky' for Deb Mercier. She has been blessed with two sons and five grandchildren. Her artwork and books can be found at:
http://www.mnartists.org/faythe_mills
http://web.mac.com/faytheam
http://minnewaskapress.com