A local author hopes her new book will provide comfort and healing for those experiencing loss.
Katrina Doucet has written her first book, "Gabe's Christmas Wish," a 28-page illustrated book meant for the whole family.
Doucet describes it as a beautiful story, centering around a young boy's first Christmas since the loss of his parents.
In the description, Doucet explains;
"Gabe is holding the last gift that he was given from his parents, a snow globe."
"Tears falling, he looks out the window to find a reindeer just like the one in his snow globe. Gabe closes his eyes, making a wish to see his parents again. He opens them to find himself magically inside the snow globe, along with the reindeer, whose name is Comet."
"Together, the two go on a magical adventure, where Gabe gets the message that a parents' love endures forever."
Doucet explains that losing a loved one isn't always a topic people want to focus on.
"Still, it's something that eventually everyone deals with, and that's why I wanted to include it in a magical story and make it special."
She says the story would be great for all ages.
Book launch will be on Saturday August 6 at Rivendell Book in Barrie
"I wanted to make it for children and families because I wanted it to be a book that can last in the collection."
Doucet says imagery is extremely important in her writing.
"I wanted it to have dreamlike imagery. I like to explain things in detail but I get creative with smaller words. For example, I describe 'Candy Cane flavored snowflakes' to make it easy for children to understand.
Once Doucet had her story written, finding an illustrator was next.
Doucet knew it was important to find someone who shared her vision for rich imagery. Thankfully she found the perfect fit in Canadian artist Natasha Pelley-Smith.
"When I saw her first illustration, it just blew me away! I was like, 'oh my god, I'm so glad I chose you; this is what I wanted.' I felt it was right with her; it just worked perfectly."
At the end of the book, Doucet added an extra activity for children to enjoy.
There are a few discussion questions and a little globe where children can write their wishes or draw pictures.
In anticipation of the book's launch, Doucet will be at Rivendell Book at 165 Wellington St W, in Barrie on Saturday August 6, between 1 pm-4 pm to debut " Gabe's Christmas Wish."
The book is available to pre-order.
For more information about Katrina and her story on Instagram and at katrinasstoryhub.
