Silkmonkey’s Laughter

A much-needed book set in the jewel-coloured jungle opens up the difficult theme of death with gentle and caring words to children and adults alike. The text carries strong feelings but it is accessible and healing at the same time. Tapir sees his best friend Silkmonkey getting sick and fading away. Once she is gone, he is angry and sad and con sed, and acts up with everyone, even though all other animals − Sloth, Parrot and Bear − make room for him in his sorrow. Litte by little, Tapir must accept his loss and understand that he is not the only one who misses Silkmonkey.
A much-needed book set in the jewel-coloured jungle opens up the difficult theme of death with gentle and caring words to children and adults alike. The text carries strong feelings but it is accessible and healing at the same time. Tapir sees his best friend Silkmonkey getting sick and fading away. Once she is gone, he is angry and sad and con sed, and acts up with everyone, even though all other animals − Sloth, Parrot and Bear − make room for him in his sorrow. Litte by little, Tapir must accept his loss and understand that he is not the only one who misses Silkmonkey.

info

  • Year of publication

    2019

  • Original title

    Silkeapans skratt

  • Page count

    40

  • Original publisher

    Förlaget M

Reviews

  • Arvid Lydecken jury

    “Silkmonkey’s Laughter (Silkesapans skratt) is a beautiful, comforting and touching story of friendship and loss. The book helps to discuss grief with children.”

  • Helsingin Sanomat newspaper

    "This picture book covers a heavy subject in a delicate and sensitive manner. Death is hard to accept, but this story beautifully depicts how animals collectively remember their deceased friend. Sharing makes sadness gradually subside, or at least change its form.
    Bondestam’s images are stunning and multicoloured, enabling the reader feel like they’re entering an enormous jungle themselves."

  • Nytid magazine, Finland

    "In Silkmonkey's Laughter both the text and illustration offer a chance to reflect on grief as well as anger when a loved one passes away... This is a beautiful and low-key story of death and life, without frills. Both children and adults can relate to this....The large images created with Linda Bondestam's collage technique are moving and filled with emotion."

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Authors

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