Tuck Meets a Dragonfly
This delightfully illustrated and heartwarming book tells the story of a young turtle named Tuck who is struggling after the death of his Mom. Tuck’s best friend, Padraic, embarks on a quest to find the answer to Tuck’s questions, “Is there a Turtle Heaven?” And “Is my Mom there?” Padraic seeks the help of Old Naughton, a turtle elder, who in turn asks the help of the dragonflies, Queen Emily and Katarina. Together the group brings the answers Tuck needs to begin his healing.
Written by a grief therapist and educator, this uplifting story highlights ways to help grieving children. Suggestions are offered on using the story to broach the topics of grief and loss, “what happens next,” and how love and friendship can heal the pain of grief.
About the Author and Illustrator
Frances Charles is the pen name of Maureen F. Walsh.
Maureen is a grief therapist and educator who has a private practice called Grief Weavers located at Hope Floats Healing and Wellness Center in Kingston, MA. Maureen is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and certified as a Fellow in Thanatology by the Association for Death, Dying and Counseling (ADEC). Maureen works with individuals, children, and families who have suffered loss. As part of H.E.A.R.T, Hope Floats Education & Awareness Response Team, Maureen conducts grief trainings and workshops for schools, clinicians, and community organizations.
Maureen uses a pen name to honor her parents who were very special people.
Susan Nicolaides has been drawn to drawing and creating all her life. She started with crayons, but by kindergarten quickly graduated to painting pictures on white porcelain plates. “Suz” (her artistic name) knew even then that art would be her passion in life. Tuck Meets a Dragonfly is Suz’s first venture as a book illustrator.
Susan studied visual art at the University of Maryland, served as assistant costume designer in graduate school, and eventually embarked on her lifelong professional career as director for Cultural Events and Performing Arts at Harford Community College in Harford, MD. She became a tireless advocate of the Arts in the college and surrounding communities, coordinating arts programming and performances, managing dance and theater companies, creating costumes, and assisting with marketing and promotional publications.
Recently retired, Susan continues to paint and share her love of art with her five grandchildren.
Kudos for Tuck!
“A journey of friendship and love that will touch the grieving hearts of young and old. Tuck and his friends are reminded of the unbreakable bonds that connect us to our loved ones in Heaven. Through this beautifully written and illustrated story we see that love lives on beyond death and it brings us comfort, hope, and healing.”
Denise Brack, M.Ed.
Co-founder & Executive Director
Hope Floats Healing & Wellness Center
“Tuck Meets a Dragonfly is a tender story that addresses the sensitive topic of parental loss while at the same time weaving a delightful tale of friendship, strength, faith, and hope. The author, who is a talented grief counselor with decades of experience helping families face the biggest losses of their lives, provides them a compassionate framework for the concept of grief.”
Susan Clinton Martin, MD, MPH
Pediatrician, South Shore Medical Center
“Children and adults will feel validated and comforted by this touching story which beautifully articulates the feelings and impact of grief, the importance of support, and the hope and comfort provided by love. I recommend this book to children and families who are grieving, to helping professionals, and friends and family members seeking to support those coping with loss.”
Meaghan Hayes, MSW, LICSW
Private Practice Clinician, MBH Counseling