GENTLE CLOSINGS was followed in the 1990s by several more books sharing what Mr. Menten had learned from years of volunteer work visiting and then counseling terminal patients, especially children, and their families. All had been out of print for years when Hug Street Books was formed to reissue updated and redesigned editions of Mr. Menten's often groundbreaking books. GENTLE CLOSINGS is the first in this series, which besides books on grief counseling will also feature his lavishly inventive books on making, collecting, and enjoying teddy bears and paper dolls.