Title: Jack’s Five Dads
Description: Losing a parent is a profound loss at any age. Children especially have trouble realizing that the loss is permanent, and they often cannot organize their emotions the way an adult can. In 2012, author Rob Hovey’s friend died after battling cancer - leaving behind a wife, a three year old son Jack and an eighteen month old daughter Macie. Rob wanted to do something for the family, but he didn't know what he could offer. In the days and weeks after his friend’s death, Rob noticed several men (friends, relatives and neighbors) who took an interest in young Jack – talking, playing, or just giving him hugs. Witnessing these actions sparked the idea for the illustrated book “Jack’s Five Dads” - a heartfelt story about a young boy who misses his Dad. The illustrations were created by Jack Hovey (Rob’s brother), a professional designer/illustrator. Transcending loss to highlight the idea of “it takes a village to raise a child,” Hovey wrote the book so he could help the family. A portion of each book sold will be donated to an education fund set up to help Jack and Macie.
Subjects: grief, bereavement, death