The Mirror Box


Children - Picture Book
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 01/12/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Wade Bergner is an award-winning children’s author and founder of The Emotional Agility Matters Children’s Series. His books are designed to instill self-worth, connection, and emotional agility in young minds. Wade’s read-along stories help create a comfortable space for families and children to discuss their emotional challenges and questions. He sincerely hopes his stories bring joy to every reader, child, and adult.

Wade lives in Eau Claire Wisconsin and is the father of two wonderful young men, Leo & Max. Wade is an avid runner and endurance athlete who thoroughly enjoys the outdoors!

    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

It’s always hard to lose someone we love. Christopher is close to his grandfather, whom he calls Papa. They do all kinds of fun things together: sharing adventures, stories, and laughter. Then, one day, Papa is no longer around. Christopher is very sad, but Papa had already prepared for this unhappy occasion. A few months earlier, he’d given Christopher a mirror box with strict instructions to keep it secret until the right moment. Tucked underneath the boy’s bed, the mirror box is almost forgotten until Christopher’s tears are spent. Pulling it out, the box covered in mirrors reveals the first surprise. The face looking back at Christopher is as much Papa as it is the little boy. And there are more surprises to be shared to help Christopher manage his grief.

Wade Warren Bergner’s picture book, The Mirror Box, is a sweet, endearing story about love and loss. The plot follows young Christopher as he enjoys time with his special grandfather, Papa, until that sad day when Papa passes away. The discovery of the mirror box opens the young boy’s eyes to the realization that Papa will always be with him in so many ways, but mostly in his heart and his memories. The treasure inside the box is a message from Papa to persevere, to carry on, and, most importantly, to “love, laugh and learn.” Told in simple language and with spectacular illustrations, this story will touch the hearts of all who read it; it'll make readers both laugh and cry and it will help those struggling with grief of their own. A powerful story!

Stéphanie Orten

This is a heartwarming story that will unquestionably help children & families navigate through losing a loved one. Highly recommend!

Anthony

All households should have this wonderful book. Just outstanding

Stephen Jacobs

Very enjoyable, easily absorbed story on healing from a loved one’s passing. As an aging grandfather, I identify with the story’s attempt to make death less of a shock and more about a transition! Highly recommended for not only children but families during or prior to loss.

Colleen Rademacher

The author did a great job portraying the importance of grieving and also the peace that comes from accepting the loss of a loved one for children. It is so very important for children to understand their emotions and to develop skills for the entirety of their life while dealing with hardships. Well written and illustrated. Highly recommend this book.

Tracy Garvey

I read this to my 8-year-old son. He said it taught him not to worry when people that you love are gone. This is such an important message to teach our young people! He said it really had a strong twist when the boy's grandpa passed away.

Alexandra Spichtig

I love how the author addresses a difficult life experience in a very sweet and heartfelt fashion. Everyone needs love and support navigating grief, children especially. This sweet story reminds children that even when we may no longer see people who held a special place in our hearts, their love remains with us. VERY BEAUTIFUL MESSAGE!

Richard Linville

Papa and his grandson enjoy being together and doing things together. How will Papa's grandson deal with the loss of his grandfather? A beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written story of connection!

Denise Haddix

I LOVED this book's message! I will go as far as to recommend it as a MUST-HAVE at home to help kids (and adults!) process beautiful memories of being with our loved ones. I enjoyed the tearing and the sense of comfort.

Khursheed Sethna

The Mirror Box made me laugh and cry and miss my grandma who was the one person in the world who I truly felt loved me unconditionally. Christopher's story of loss and acceptance is so relatable and such an important story for adults and children everywhere. There are not enough children's books that tackle difficult subjects like death and grieving. Often as adults we are so wrapped up in our own grief, we forget that children do not even have the language to express their sadness, confusion and loss. The Mirror box is a wonderful story and an invaluable resource for parents, teachers and grandparents everywhere. This is a book that can prepare children for the inevitable and give them hope. I know that I have always felt my grandmother close to me after she transitioned. I still love sharing and remembering our times together. Thank you Wade for creating this amazing book!

Terry Conroy


Great book helping kids process death by embracing the knowing of their everlasting connection! I dropped a tear and can totally relate to this story. This book will help my grand kid’s process death someday but still find the joy in the relationship & experiences we had together. 5 stars all the way!

Robyn Burns

"The Mirror Box" by Wade Bergner is a beautifully written and deeply moving story. It captures the tender relationship between a young boy and his grandpa, exploring themes of love, loss, and memory with great sensitivity. The narrative is both poignant and uplifting, focusing on how the boy remembers his grandpa through a special mirror box. Without giving away the story, this box plays a magical role in helping the boy feel connected to his grandpa.

What truly enhances this book are the wonderful illustrations. They are as heartfelt as the story itself, perfectly capturing the emotions and moments between the boy and his grandpa. The use of colors and details in the illustrations adds a layer of depth and warmth to every page.

This book is not just a story; it's a tool for discussing loss and remembrance with children. It handles a delicate subject with grace and care, making it an ideal read for young ones dealing with similar experiences. "The Mirror Box" is a testament to the enduring power of love and the comfort of memories. A must-read for children and adults alike, especially for anyone who has cherished memories of loved ones. A truly touching and memorable read.

Mrs. Decesarie

The Mirror Box by Wade Bergner is one of those books that is hard to read to a child. It is not because it is not well written, but it is because death is a delicate and sensitive subject. Grief and acceptance are not easy for anyone, especially a young child.

The story focuses on the relationship between a grandson and his grandpa. Unfortunately, Grandpa is taken away from the grandson too soon, and the little boy is experiencing his first serious loss.
While dealing with his emotions, the boy is learning how to overcome his grief.

This heartwarming book is a perfect helper for young readers. It will help them to develop skills while dealing with their hardships and losses.

Bottom line: The author executed a “loss and grief” subject perfectly. The story is written in a heartfelt way, slowly and deliberately navigating young readers thorough griefs, sadness, and confusions. It reads smoothly and is well supported by the bright artwork, a little too comical for my taste, but I am sure children would have a different opinion. It is a sweet book and is an invaluable resource for parents, teachers and grandparents that will help them to handle this difficult subject with kindness and understanding.
Well, done!

Nat Pierce

It is so important to have books like this. I feel grief is a part of life and our children should learn about it as early as possible. I will use this book as a tool to help my students process their thoughts and feelings. It's really a great book!

O'Connell Family Funeral Homes

I appreciated Wade's simple, down to earth way of explaining death to children. Children do not grow up afraid of death. It is learned from watching their parents grieve. Society is failing to help our children learn adversity in their life. This book is a great way to open a conversation about death and dying. Buy the book and have a healthy conversation. The adults will benefit from it too! After reading "The Mirror Box" and seeing its value for the families we serve at our funeral home, it was an easy decision to buy copies and give them to families with young children following a close death.

Robert Strock

As a grandparent, president of a philanthropic foundation, and a psychotherapist for more than 40 years, I would highly recommend that you buy The Mirror Box for your child, grandchild, or their friends as a gift. It so sensitively addresses the largest taboo in our culture—the death of a relative—without dogma or blind belief, and with the perfect heartfelt message and wisdom. It answers how you keep someone you love alive when they die without having to give normal platitudes or black-and-white answers.

Every child, starting from the age of 5 years, would benefit from holding these thoughts and images at a time of great need. It also is an equally great message to share before any loss occurs. For the many that are looking for a sensitive grounded way to address the subject, you will find this book appealing to guide you, no matter your age.

—Robert Strock, Co-President of The Global Bridge Foundation

Ashley H.

I am a funeral director, and I received a free copy from the author & then went on to purchase additional copies as I found it to be very beneficial for the families we serve. When reading it I had my children in mind for when one of their grandparents were and definitely see how impactful and helpful it would be. Great book!