Primary and Secondary Teachers, Art Therapists, Environmentalists and Parents; here is a poem set to paintings that follows the journey of a tear that drops into a teacup, eventually finding its way out to sea and then falling as rain over the same young boy and his beloved grandfather who cried the tear in the first place. Environmental and cyclical themes of life and death, decay and renewal, time and fear, and the gifts of one generation to another are all here in this book.

Author: Chris Townsend, Artwork: Chris Sage-Marsh, Published by Innovative Resources 2005, Includes teachers’ guide. Hardcover. 36pp.

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Grief and Loss Counsellors, Social Work Educators, Teachers and anyone in need of a reality check: here is a brave, insightful and–believe it or not–lively opportunity to enter the experiences of seven people who know they are dying. This inspiring collection is based on interviews with seven Australians who are facing death and who have had the courage to talk about what death means to them personally–and what it could mean to us.

Edited by Professors Allan Kellehear and David Ritchie. Published by Innovative Resources. Softcover, 140 x 215mm, 136pp.

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Art Therapists, Grief and Loss Counsellors, Social Workers and anyone wanting to explore grief from a creative perspective, this deeply moving, but ultimately uplifting visual and written journal follows the psychological and emotional journey of Carla van Laar after the death of her three-year-old son, Vaughn. The book includes reflective notes that provide practical suggestions for using the book in workshops and groups to create soulful conversations.

Published by Innovative Resources 2008. Author: Carla van Laar. Bi-fold softcover 215mm x 228mm, 60pp.

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Author: Molly Carlile. Published by Innovative Resources 2004. Softcover, 130 x 200mm, 72pp.

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A symbol is a metaphor–something that means something else. Metaphors and symbols work as short cuts–cosmic ‘worm holes’ to understanding and feelings. Symbols is a set of simple, free-hand line drawings of everyday objects that can suggest layers of meaning to the observer. Therapists who work with those struggling with grief and loss suggested this particular set of symbols. They have resonance with people grappling with the big questions in life.

Published by Innovative Resources. 100 laminated, full-colour cards 105mm x 105mm. Full colour tin, 48 page booklet. Booklet authors: Linda Espie & Russell Deal, Designer: Brad Welsh.

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This resource acknowledges that pain and suffering (such as grief, loneliness, depression, loss and violence) often need to be ’storied’ before resolution is possible.

Published by Innovative Resources 2002, new ed: 2005. Booklet authors: Russell Deal, Fiona Gardner & John Holton. Artist: Carolyn Marrone. Designer: Tim Lane,evocative water-colour images on cards 210 x 150mm. Full-colour cardboard box, 36-page booklet.

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Meet 52 quirky, engaging, happy, sad, afraid, shy, joyful and just plain outrageous “stone” characters – characters who wear their feelings all over their not-so-stony faces. On the back of each card are three possible words to help build a vocabulary for describing the emotion expressed. Sometimes people interpret feelings very differently. For example, is the stone “purposeful” or “bossy” or…? You decide!

Published by Innovative Resources, 2003, 52 full-colour cards laminated, full-colour cards, 150 x 100mm, 2-part cardboard box, 44 page booklet. Booklet author: Russell Deal, Illustrator: Ray Bowler.

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Here is a set of cards based on original photographs that will inspire exploration of the importance of purpose and belonging in our everyday lives. This tool is not based on a particular theology or philosophy and can be used by people from all backgrounds. Very simple, very clever!

Published by Innovative Resources 2004, 48 laminated, full-colour cards, 140 x 140 mm, full-colour polypropylene box, 28-page booklet. Booklet author: Russell Deal, Designer: Brent Seamer.

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