How can we answer the many questions young children have about death? Looking for a meaningful way to explain to neighbourhood children the death of a five-year-old friend, Doris Stickney adapted the graceful fable about the waterbug that changed into a dragonfly. First published under the title "Death" in 'Colloquy' (December 1971), the story was revised and expanded in 1982 to become the current bestselling Waterbugs and Dragonflies. This edition features full-colour paintings by Gloria Ortiz Hernandez, an artist whose work has been exhibited in Europe, South America, and the USA. A native of Columbia, she currently lives and creates her work on a farm in Pennsylvania.

The Pilgrim Press is pleased to re-introduce the Looking Up series of 24-page, 5.5" by 5.5" booklets. The four best-selling titles are ideal for times that call for contemplation or prayer, whether for times of difficulty and worry or for times of joy and happiness. More in-depth than a greeting card, each booklet will help you find the right words...a caring thought...a comforting reflection to communicate compassion in extraordinary ways.

The Pilgrim Press introduces its perennial bestseller "Water Bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children" by Doris Stickney in coloring book format.

How can we answer the many questions young children have about death?

Doris Stickney and her minister husband were looking for a meaningful way to explain to neighborhood children the death of a five-year-old friend -- an explanation that would satisfy not only the children but adult minds as well. While they were preparing for the child's memorial service, the fable of the water bug that changed into a dragonfly came to mind.

"Water Bugs and Dragonflies" tells the story of a small colony of water bugs living happily below the surface of a quiet pond. Every so often one of them climbs up a lily stalk and disappears from sight, never to return. Those left behind are faced with the mystery of figuring out what has become of them.

Revealing the "miracle that makes shiny dragonflies out of ugly bugs", this graceful story reminds us that God has given us the means of transforming our metaphorical selves into dragonflies capable of winging off contentedly into a new world. Recognizing that "the old answers will not satisfy today's children", Stickney presents instead a simple, wise tale that illuminates a difficult reality without pretending to contain all the answers.

This bona fide bestseller -- more than 150,000 copies have been printed -- is presented here withnewly rendered full-color illustrations. Set in large type so that young readers can enjoy it themselves, Water Bugs also includes accompanying information that offers the author's own insights for explaining how adults can effectively assist children in coping with death.