Local author highlights grief journey in featured children’s book

Deb Dickson poses for a photo during her children's book spotlight session at Georgian Mall in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., May 23, 2026. (Source: Deb Dickson/Supplied)

A local author featured her children’s book at Georgian Mall on Saturday with the goal of helping kids deal with the difficulties of grief the way she did.

Deb Dickson published ‘Always Kiss Me Goodnight’ in 2024, a story about how she was 19-years-old old when her mother died 50 years ago.

“Death and grieving are difficult and sensitive subjects and conversations between adults, let alone children,” said Dickson in an email to CTV News. “Children’s emotions need to be acknowledged and they need continued love and support while they are all trying to figure out their own personal grieving journey. Grieving never ends. But it has to be addressed.”

Dickson recently retired from her administrative assistant position with the Simcoe County District School Board, where she worked for 14 years.

She is a wife, mom of three adults, and a grandmother of six grandchildren.

“There is nothing more important than adult and children’s feelings,” continued Dickson. “The emotions that I covered in my book are the same for adults, just on a different level of intensity.”

‘Always Kiss Me Goodnight’ is available online and at bookstores both locally and in the U.S., as well as the health library at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH).