“Oh NO, Where Did He GO?” Brings Grief, Faith and a Free Book Giveaway to Frankfurt Book Fair 2026

How do you explain death to a child when the questions are simple, but the answers are not?

Kay E. Thomson explores that deeply personal conversation in “Oh NO, Where Did He GO?: Understanding How Children Handle Death and Loss,” a heartfelt children’s book that will be featured at Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, October 7-11, at The Ewings Publishing booth in Hall 4.2, Stand M23

Visitors to the booth will also have the opportunity to sign up for a chance to receive a free copy of the book.

The story follows JT, a young boy whose first lesson about change begins with Henry, his favorite hermit crab. When JT discovers Henry’s shell empty, he immediately wonders where his little friend has gone. He later learns that Henry has simply outgrown his old shell and moved into a larger one.

It is a small moment, but one that becomes meaningful when JT experiences a much greater loss.

After his grandfather becomes ill and dies, JT is faced with questions many children struggle to express. Why does Grandpa look like he is sleeping? Why will he not wake up? Where has he gone? And will JT ever see him again?

Rather than avoiding those difficult questions, Thomson allows them to become the heart of the story.

Through memories, family conversations, and the Christian faith shared by those around him, JT begins to understand that grief does not always look the same. A child can miss someone deeply while still smiling at a favorite memory. Sadness and love can exist together. Questions can remain even while hope begins to grow.

The hermit crab analogy, contributed by Dr. Craig Kraft, becomes a gentle way of helping JT understand the family’s belief that although Grandpa’s body remains behind, his soul is with Jesus in heaven.

Illustrated by Macey K. Donley and inspired by a true story, “Oh NO, Where Did He GO?” offers parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and church communities a compassionate starting point for conversations about death and loss.

Its message is not about asking children to stop grieving. Instead, it encourages them to ask questions, remember the people they love, express their feelings, and find comfort in the people and faith surrounding them.

For families who have ever struggled to find the right words after a loss, this book may offer a way to begin.

Visitors attending Frankfurt Book Fair 2026 can discover “Oh NO, Where Did He GO?” at The Ewings Publishing booth, Hall 4.2, Stand M23, and sign up for a chance to take home a free copy.

Sometimes one honest question is all it takes to begin a conversation a child has been waiting to have.

Discover the story. Start the conversation. Share a message of love, faith, and hope.

Contact Information

April Andrews

FulFillment Officer

The Ewings Publishing

Contact via E-mail