Book excerpt: A Tail of Two Lakes evolved out of a grief seminar with the hope of helping children with loss and grief. Our children go through many losses, whether it is the loss of a parent through death or divorce. The loss of a brother, sister, uncle, grandparent, friend, or even a beloved pet can be difficult for children. Moving out of their home or to a different school can be traumatic. Grieving is hard. It is especially hard for children who do not have the communication skills or coping skills that adults may be able to use. Children may have difficulty expressing feelings but are able to connect with the feelings of the characters and in the process are able to grieve and move toward healing. Not grieving can have lifelong negative effects. A Tail of Two Lakes tells the story of three fish who experience loss, turmoil, change, and grief and come out on the other side with hope and healing. The purpose of this book is to entertain children in such a way that it allows children to "speak" their feelings through the characters' feelings and experience their journey of loss and healing through Frizzy, Angel, and Huggy. The hope is also to allow parents and children to speak about their loss and their feelings, even if it is through the feelings of the characters.