When a young boy experiences a sudden and devastating loss, an invisible dragon swoops in and perches on top of his head. A most unwelcome guest, the dragon follows him to school, sleeps on his chest at night (making it hard for him to breathe), and even crashes his birthday party. As the boy navigates the complexities of his grief, his relationship with the dragon changes in surprising ways.

My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon is a story for children dealing with loss—or for those who need help relating to a grieving friend. Although it deals with a heavy topic, this book employs relatable characters, a light tone, touches of humor, and an overarching message of hope. The book shows that healing takes time and that it’s OK to experience a wide range of emotions as you process the death of a loved one. While the boy in the story has lost his mother, the book draws upon universal aspects of grief that will feel familiar to those who have experienced other kinds of heartache.