How Preston Knowles Transformed Grief Into a Children’s Story of Connection

A children’s story can do more than entertain—it can heal. When Preston Knowles lost his beloved uncle during the early days of the pandemic, grief became the spark for Ollie and Beep , a tender tale about love, loss, and the enduring power of connection. At just seventeen, Preston turned pain into purpose, creating a story that helps children and the adults who love them understand that life keeps moving forward, just like a river. In this heartfelt conversation, host Irene Weinberg explores how Preston’s creative journey brought comfort to countless families and how storytelling can transform grief into something beautifully whole. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE: How grief can spark creativity and provide an outlet for processing emotions. The profound impact of lacking traditional closure during the grieving process. The philosophy that life is like a river, and the importance of learning to flow with change and loss. The scarcity of resources for children navigating grief and the need for tools for parents and educators. The way loss reshapes one's entire perspective on life and relationships. The idea that the beloved characters Ollie the bear and Beep the penguin represent a special real-life relationship. The importance of healing grief and living a positive life that a deceased loved one would want for you. The tip for finding joy and "magic" by embracing uncomfortableness and new experiences. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: How Preston Knowles Transformed Grief Into a Children’s Story of Connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8P0Iv93MTU&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvoh Let Ollie and Beep remind you — and the little ones you love — that every goodbye holds a bit of grace, and every moment together is a gift. 🐻🐧 Discover Ollie and Beep by Preston Knowles here: https://a.co/d/aiLNDK2 --- ✨ Grief & Rebirth: Healing Resources & Tools ✨ 🎧 Irene's Books (Including a Free Audiobook!) They Serve Bagels in Heaven—Irene’s heartfelt story of love and life beyond. Listen Free on Audible as a First Time User: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4w Get the Paperback or Hard copy: https://amzn.to/3XrE995 📚 Embrace Life’s Third Chapter Good to the Last Drop—A powerful anthology on aging with purpose: https://amzn.to/3VJgEa5 🛍️ Healing & Self-Care Picks Curated books and essentials from Irene: https://kit.co/GriefandRebirth 📚 Grief & Rebirth Bookshop Books by podcast guests for healing & wisdom: https://bookshop.org/shop/griefandrebirth 🎙️ Podcast & Community Inspiring stories of transformation on the Grief and Rebirth website: https://griefandrebirth.com 📱 Stay Connected Subscribe to Grief and Rebirth on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSDru2EU1djRZaZxxFkMig?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenesweinberg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IreneSWeinberg 🎙️ Be a Podcast Guest Have a story or healing work to share? Apply Here: https://ireneweinberg.com/be-on-the-podcast/ 📰 Newsletter Get updates, tips, and new episodes by signing up to the Grief and Rebirth Substack: https://substack.com/@griefandrebirth 💖 Affiliate Disclaimer Some links may earn us a commission. We only share trusted, personally recommended resources.