A new picture book from Portsmouth author Sarah McLean will tell the story of a friendship that was built after a tragic accident. “Leah Is A Dragonfly Now” is a moving story that deals with grief and loss.
The book is based on the award-winning short film “Dragonfly,” and it follows the story of two Portsmouth residents, Celine and her family, as they navigate the challenges of life without a loved one. After Celine’s best friend dies, she decides to wear a dragonfly bracelet to keep her close. The bracelet becomes a symbol of transformation, as Celine learns to cope with loss and grief.
“Dragonflies symbolize transformation from a physical presence to a spiritual one,” says Sarah McLean. “All too often we lose loved ones only to wonder where they’ve gone and if we’ll ever see them again. In this true story of life, death, and everlasting friendship, Leah Is A Dragonfly Now helps readers cope with the loneliness, sadness, and anxiety we may feel after someone we love leaves us.”
“Authentic, heartfelt, well told. I can tell you there wasn’t a dry eye when I showed it to some of the team here,” says Emily Nordwind, Senior Vice President Paramount Animation.
Leah Is A Dragonfly Now is a heartwarming gift for those who have experienced loss. It is a book that will resonate with many, and it is a great way to cope with grief and loss.
More From The Author
Award-winning filmmaker and Portsmouth native Sarah McLean publishes
children’s picture book, Leah Is A Dragonfly Now: a true story of life, death,
and everlasting friendship, on August 6, 2024
Based on the award-winning animated short film Dragonfly, this poignant, touching, and uplifting picture book about grief reminds us that loved ones never truly leave our side, and that they can even take shape as tiny, little dragonflies.
Leah Is A Dragonfly Now recounts the friendship of two Portsmouth residents and how they will always remain connected. When Celine’s best friend dies, she decides to wear a dragonfly bracelet to keep her close. After Celine and her family escape a car accident unharmed, she realizes she has lost the dragonfly bracelet. Rattled by the scary and unexpected series of events, Celine determines they must have a guardian angel watching over them.
Dragonflies symbolize transformation from a physical presence to a spiritual one. All too often we lose loved ones only to wonder where they’ve gone and if we’ll ever see them again. In this true story of life, death, and everlasting friendship, Leah Is A Dragonfly Now helps
readers cope with the loneliness, sadness, and anxiety we may feel after someone we love leaves us.
The animated movie the book is based on, Dragonfly, has played internationally, winning awards for Best Animation, Limelight – Women in Film, and was honored at the
American Cinematheque’s Focus on Female Directors.
“Authentic, heartfelt, well told. I can tell you there wasn’t a dry eye when I showed it to some of the team here.” Emily Nordwind, Senior Vice President Paramount Animation.
Leah Is A Dragonfly Now is a heartwarming gift for older children and adults who have suffered loss and want to stay connected to their loved ones. The book, now available for pre-order, debuted at number one on Amazon’s Hot New Releases and will be available internationally in hardcover, Kindle, ebook and audiobook formats.
PHS Graduate Sarah McLean is an award-winning writer, actor and hall of fame athlete whose work can be seen on NBC, Peacock, Apple TV+, and Amazon. When not writing or on set, she can be found with either a camera or bowl of ice cream in her hand. Sometimes both. She’s an avid hiker, having scaled Yosemite’s Half Dome, twice.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.