Georgie the Giraffe: Nene Goes to Heaven
- Gentle, age-appropriate conversations about grief
- Written by an experienced hospice nurse
- A comforting Christian message of hope
A gentle Christian picture book that helps children understand the loss of a loved one through love, faith, and the hope of heaven.
Why I Wrote Georgie
As a hospice nurse, I have walked alongside countless families during some of life’s most difficult moments. One question I hear again and again is, “How do I explain this to my child?”
I wrote Georgie the Giraffe: Nene Goes to Heaven to help parents and grandparents begin those conversations with honesty, compassion, and hope. My prayer is that this story brings comfort to children and reminds them that while someone they love may no longer be here, love never ends.
Peek Inside the Story
Explore a few pages from Georgie and discover the gentle illustrations and reassuring message that have comforted families facing the loss of a loved one.
Who this Book is for
✓ Children ages 4–8
✓ Families grieving the loss of a grandparent or loved one
✓ Parents preparing a child for an expected goodbye
✓ Christian families looking for a gentle, faith-filled resource
✓ Churches, counselors, hospice programs, and children’s ministries
Whether your family is preparing for a goodbye or remembering someone you love, Georgie provides a gentle way to begin conversations that can feel overwhelming.
FAQ’s
What age is Georgie best for?
Georgie is written for children ages 4 to 8, although many older siblings and even adults find comfort in its message.
Is this book only for children who have lost a grandparent?
No. While the story centers on the special bond between a grandmother and granddaughter, its message of love, grief, and hope can help children after the loss of any loved one.
Does Georgie talk about heaven?
Yes. Georgie shares a gentle Christian message about heaven that offers comfort while encouraging families to continue the conversation together.
Is this book appropriate before someone dies?
Yes. Many families read Georgie when a loved one is receiving hospice care or living with a serious illness. It can help prepare children for an expected goodbye with honesty and reassurance.
Is the story frightening or graphic?
No. Georgie was intentionally written using gentle, age-appropriate language and warm illustrations. It focuses on love, remembrance, and hope rather than fear.
Can this book be used by churches, counselors, or hospice programs?
Absolutely. Georgie is a meaningful resource for pastors, children’s ministry leaders, grief counselors, teachers, and hospice professionals supporting families through loss.
A Letter from Julia
Dear Friend,
If you’re here, there’s a good chance someone your child loves has died or is facing a serious illness. If that’s true, I’m so sorry. I know how difficult it can be to comfort a child when you’re grieving too.
I wrote Georgie the Giraffe: Nene Goes to Heaven after my mother-in-law passed away unexpectedly. As our family grieved, I watched my young niece try to understand what had happened and process the loss of someone she loved so deeply.
As both an aunt and a hospice nurse, I understood how important honest, gentle conversations are for children. I searched for a book that reflected the hope of heaven while helping families talk openly about death in a way young children could understand. When I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to write it.
My prayer is that Georgie becomes more than just a story. I hope it gives families a way to begin difficult conversations, creates opportunities to share memories, and reminds children that while death changes our lives, it never changes the love we have for one another. For those who know Christ, it also reminds us of the hope we have in heaven.
Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your family’s journey.
With love,
Julia Pierce, RN