Childrens Book Will Address Grief on October 24
A new release for pre-teens will provide families in Rowlett with tools to discuss loss and empathy.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Pre-Teens
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Author Kimberly Mathis is set to release her debut children's book on October 24, 2026. Titled Kimmie Pooh & Suga Bugga: The Empathy Machine of Yamtasticville, the story offers support to children ages 7 to 12 navigating grief.
Why it matters
The book aims to provide a structured way for families to talk about loss. It includes specific resources designed to guide children through difficult conversations about grieving a loved one.
The book is intended for children ages 7 to 12 and spans 12 chapters featuring 61 full-color illustrations. It will be available in paperback and Kindle formats starting on October 24, 2026.
The players
Kimberly Mathis
An author who writes for young audiences and is currently developing a new series of children's books.
Elnora Finch Marshall
The late grandmother of the author whose life and memory inspired the central characters of the book.
The details
Written under the pseudonym M.A. Thist, the book explores empathy through a narrative based on the author and her late grandmother, Elnora Finch Marshall. The volume includes a dedicated section for families containing discussion questions and practical ideas for honoring a loved one. This format is intended to help parents and caregivers facilitate healing conversations with their children.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: The book will be released in paperback and Kindle formats.
The Home Front
The release follows a trend of authors using digital self-publishing platforms to distribute niche resources directly to local households. This shift allows for more targeted support materials to reach families outside of traditional publishing house channels.
Families can use the book's included discussion questions to open a dialogue about grief at home. If you are interested in previewing the content, you can access the free first book chapter online ahead of the launch.
The takeaway
The book provides a supportive narrative framework for families to discuss loss during the vulnerable pre-teen years. Parents can prepare by requesting the free chapter online before the official release date of October 24, 2026.
Further reading
Find more resources for your middle-schooler in our Pre-Teens section.
More information
You can view the free first book chapter to learn more about the author's work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gilmer Mirror.
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Do you believe children's books are an effective way to help kids process personal grief?
