Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautifully illustrated tale of love and grief for all ages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
REBECCA begins with a family—mother, Rebecca, Father, and four young kids—working hard together "in a little world built by hand" on their land on an island long ago. Then, "one ordinary day" in March, Father goes out hunting and falls through the ice. Rebecca runs to the edge of the water alone, but returns home with Sorrow, her grief represented as a ghostly figure that now will accompany her for the rest of her life. But she doesn't let grief overwhelm her. Instead, she soon picks up Father's axe and starts chopping the firewood they need to heat their one-room cabin. "Thunk, thunk, thunk. There is always work to be done." And the kids help her do it. The kids grow up and have families of their own, and Rebecca grows old and her hair turns white. Eventually, Sorrow comes for her, too, greeted as "old friend." This time she's ready for it.
Is It Any Good?
This beautiful, emotionally rich picture book takes on themes of loss and grief but emphasizes love and resilience. Sydney Smith's moody watercolors perfectly evoke the 18th century setting, with men wearing vests and broad-brimmed hats and tying their hair back in ponytails, and women and and girls wearing long dresses and cooking in a cauldron in the fireplace. And Kate Beaton's spare poetic text is simple enough for kids to follow as it recounts the elements of daily life, even when it hints at looming disaster. "A bird sings a parting winter song in the trees, until there is a change of wind."
Rebecca personifies Sorrow, which may be challenging for young kids to grasp. But kids of all ages will understand the tragedy of a father dying and the triumph of a family rallying together and going on despite that great loss. For readers who've lost a family member or a pet, this book may offer comfort and encouragement as it takes the long view of a life that has known both sorrow and joy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the mom deals with loss in Rebecca. How do her four kids step up to help?
What do you think it would be like to build a house with your own hands and have only a fireplace for warmth?
How does Rebecca show perseverance? Why is that an important character strength?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Sydney Smith
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Moms , Siblings , Dads )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : September 22, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 28, 2026
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