Beyond the Setting Sun shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2026

We are delighted that Beyond the Setting Sun  by Sarah J. Dodd has been shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2026 in the Wellbeing category.

The Week Junior is a weekly magazine that encourages children to enjoy reading, learning and discovering more about the world. Its Book Awards celebrate outstanding children’s publishing, making a place on the shortlist a real achievement. The shortlisting of Beyond the Setting Sun recognises the sensitive way it helps children, and the adults supporting them, talk about bereavement with honesty, warmth and hope.

At the heart of Beyond the Setting Sun is Ekundayo, a young elephant trying to understand the death of his mother.

The African Savannah is dry, and the waterholes have almost disappeared. In the middle of this harsh landscape, Ekundayo is trying to make sense of a loss that feels far too big for him.

What makes this book so moving is the way it allows him to grieve. No one rushes him or tries to make everything better with a simple explanation. His father and aunt stay close, answering his questions honestly and offering comfort when there are no words. Little by little, Ekundayo begins to understand that sadness does not have to be carried alone, and that the love he shared with his mother has not disappeared.

Christian families may also value the quiet hope running through the story: death does not have the final word, love continues, and even in sadness we are held by God’s love. The message is never forced, but offers real comfort when a child needs it.

The Wellbeing category recognises books that help children develop confidence, resilience and emotional understanding. This shortlisting reflects the sensitive way Beyond the Setting Sun gives children language for feelings that can be difficult to name.

That is where a picture book can be such a gift. Shared with a trusted adult, it can open a conversation without forcing one and quietly reassure a child that you are not alone.

Sarah J. Dodd’s story is informed by careful research into how young children experience grief, but it never feels clinical. Her writing is warm and honest, while Cee Biscoe’s illustrations bring tenderness and light to difficult moments.

The book also includes practical guidance from Debbie Duncan, making it a useful resource for parents, carers, teachers, librarians, church teams and pastoral workers.

Free activity sheets help children reflect on the story and explore themes of love, memory and hope. They are designed for use at home, in the classroom or with a children’s group.

"A great little read for young learners. It kept mine captivated from the start. Both myself and my children really enjoyed this book. It was a lovely story and I can’t wait to read it to my class when we return to school."

Clara C, Educator

"This is a sensitive and heartwarming little story about a baby elephant, and his family who help him to accept the death of his mother. It is about deep love, and how support and understanding can help someone to come to terms with, and overcome, grief. The book is very well written and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. Every parent should read the advice for parents and carers that comes at the end of the book. Truly wonderful!"

Carole K

"As a family who've very recently suffered loss and looked for books to help our four year old understand a little more, this book is perfect. It's gentle both in words and illustrations. Often books about death can be quite dark in their palette, yet Beyond the Setting Sun is rich and warm. It's filled with the love of friends and family to help you through difficult times. I'd very much recommend this book to help talk to children about death."

Lisa G

Huge congratulations to Sarah J. Dodd, Cee Biscoe and Debbie Duncan on this well-deserved recognition.

We’re proud to publish a book that is helping children, families, schools and churches talk about grief with greater honesty, tenderness and hope.