Reading Together & Having Meaningful Conversations
Suzette Lindsay’s stories offer a warm, comforting space for children and adults to pause, connect, and talk gently about love, loss, and happy memories.
Why Reading Together Matters
When families read together, children feel safe asking questions about big emotions. Books provide a gentle buffer—a shared story where children can explore feelings of missing someone without feeling put on the spot.
Six Gentle Steps to Guide Your Reading
An invitation to connect when it feels right for your family.
Read together
Find a comfortable couch or armchair. Look at the book cover together and ask what your child notices.
Pause when questions arise
Pause whenever an illustration catches your child’s eye or prompts a question. There is no rush to finish every page.
Reflect and share
Ask gently how a character might be feeling or share a small thought of your own.
Remember something happy
Connect the story’s themes to your family’s happy memories, funny sayings, or cherished places.
Bring the memory to life
When a reflection reminds you of a meaningful activity, consider following that moment when appropriate.
Continue when ready
Turn the page whenever your child feels ready—or stop and pick up tomorrow.
“When a story or reflection reminds you of something special, consider bringing that memory to life together. Bake the cake they loved, take a familiar walk, visit the park or enjoy an activity that made them smile. Sometimes an unplanned moment becomes a memory the family carries forward.”
A spontaneous shared activity can strengthen the positive association with the memory and create a lasting new family memory when it feels right.
From reflection to connection
A child’s question may bring up a favourite food, place, activity, song, game or family tradition. When it feels appropriate, families are encouraged to follow the conversation into a simple shared activity.
“Gramma loved baking”
Choose a favourite recipe and bake it together.
“Grampa always took us walking”
Go for a walk and share stories along the way.
“We used to play at this park”
Visit the park and create a new happy memory.
“They loved music”
Listen, sing or dance to a favourite song.
“They always made us laugh”
Share the funniest stories you remember.
“They had a favourite tradition”
Continue it or create a new version together.