An Elephant's Elegy; a bereavement picture book

What is an Elephant's Elegy, and who is it for?

‘An Elephant’s Elegy’ is a suicide bereavement picture book I am authoring, illustrating and self-publishing, inspired by the lived experience of losing my father to suicide.

‘An Elephant’s Elegy’ is designed as a therapeutic resource for readers bereaved by suicide (aged 7+), and those families, friends, communities and clinicians supporting them. It could also resonate with anyone interested in mental health, grief, loss or those seeking to empathetically learn more about the lived experience of losing a loved one to suicide.

The story chronicles the journey my family has traveled to comprehend, process and move towards a place of peace since my father’s suicide in 2016. Through it's poetic and poignant pairing of words and art, it is my hope and belief that those who turn these pages will feel seen, soothed and supported in their healing journey.

Why is this needed?

Following the shadows of my father's death, I experienced a deep struggle to come to terms with his decision to end his life. I wish that I had had a book like this when my dad passed away because it would have supported me to heal and grow. From this lived experience, I understand why, and how this book can help so many others. Sadly, suicide has sadly taken too many lives from this world, devastating the lives of the family and friends that they leave behind.

There is a severe shortage of suicide bereavement resources available for families and mental health workers to support those in grief. A picture book is an accessible and ideal medium to address this complex subject matter because it is a format that both younger and older audiences can connect with together.

The story and it's impact

Loosely based on my twin sisters and I, ‘An Elephant’s Elegy’ follows the story of Wonder the Whale, and his sisters Grace the Galah and Nevaeh the Nightingale, who go searching for their father's soul, wanting to understand why Elysium the Elephant ‘chose’ to leave earth. Upon rock pools formed by cosmic clouds, the protagonists are voices of the bereaved, grappling with the haunting questions ‘why did you leave?’, ‘was it my fault?’ or ‘could I have done something more?’

Ultimately the book is one of healing and hope, affirming our continuing bond, the ways we can honour their memories and find renewed meaning in our lives. The book is being peer-reviewed by child psychologists, mental health clinicians and suicide bereavement groups to ensure it is trauma-informed and stands as a therapeutic resource. 18% of proceeds will be donated equally to Black Dog Institute and Jesuit Support After Suicide Services, supporting their meaningful work.

'An Elephant's Elegy' is the most meaningful endeavor I have ever undertaken with my life's work - artistically and personally. As a love letter to my family's healing, I appreciate how it can support mourners navigate their grief, and those supporting them. Your support would be enormously appreciated in helping me bring this project into the world, and into the hands of those who need it.

Contributions will help support these production expenses; manuscript assessment, illustration critiques, literary mentorship, editing, printing of books and art materials.

Donation acknowledgment tiers in gratitude for your contribution;

$24.00 - a postcard Giclée print from ‘An Elephant’s Elegy’

$48.00 - a first edition of ‘An Elephant’s Elegy’

$90.00 - a signed first edition of ‘An Elephant's Elegy’

$196.00 - a limited edition A4 Giclée art print (1 of only 90) + signed first edition book.

$396.00 - a limited edition A3 Giclée art print (1 of only 54) + signed first edition book.

$596.00 - a limited edition A2 Giclée art print (1 of only 36) + signed first edition book.

$996.00 - a bespoke line drawing of a soul animal expression (of you or a loved one based on a personalised consultation) + a signed first edition book. This example expresses the love between a father and son through a continuous line drawing.

'An Elephant's Elegy' is an endorsed art project listed by the Australian Cultural Fund that holds DGR1 status. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here to donate through the ACF platform.

'An Elephant’s Elegy’ will be released Spring, 2023.

If you are feeling called to this cause, or seeking to support someone in your life bereaved by suicide, I would love for you to join me in realising the creation of this important piece and bring it into the hands of those who need it most.

My dad Joel, (a gentle giant crossing the clouds) is always watching over my family. Through the continuing bond we share with the dearly departed, they are forever with us; alive in our hearts and memories.