In her official review for the National Catholic Register, Susanna Spencer wrote:

The understanding heart of the sorrowful and joyful Blessed Mother is the refuge for the parent who loses a baby to miscarriage or stillbirth. Sometimes the only comfort we have is in knowing that the best of mothers has them in her hands.

Having lost five babies in miscarriage, the most moving scene for me in the new picture book by Theoni and Bastian Bell, Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God, portrays the Blessed Mother leading the unborn child who dies into heaven. While it is a beautiful book, I am not sure I could ever read it without having to pause and choke back my tears.

We have had so many moms share how impactful Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God has been for not just their children, but their own healing as well. Here is what mothers have told us:

“I read this book and broke down in tears. I had an early miscarriage, and this was such a beautiful way to envision that loss.”

“After I stopped crying, I thought of friends and relatives who would do well with this book. Jellybean will speak to those who have miscarried at any stage and those who have lost full-term babies, infants, and even young children. We need help explaining and remembering God’s hand in the matter.”

“How does Theoni capture in words AND rhyme what is so hard to express? It really speaks to a mother’s heart.”

Every pre-order of Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God will come with a beautiful prayer card that includes an excerpt from the Blessing of Parents after a Miscarriage (ship date is April 16).

If you are struggling to explain to your children why their sibling is gone, this picture book is a gentle way to help them through grief.

For more infant loss resources, click HERE.