Loss becomes remembrance in this book that offers tender ways to pay tribute to, and meaningfully incorporate, a loved one’s lost presence into present and future life experiences. Be it departed friends, family, pets, and more, memories can carry us beyond the precious moments we have together to keep the ones we loved before in mind forever.
Throughout the book the omnipresent narrator encourages thoughtful reflection on the empty spaces left by the loss. The gentle scenes portrayed inspire recovery from sadness and honor those who are absent. This lyrical heartful story provides consent and gently encourage readers to move to a place of peace and acceptance despite the absence.
Amanda Rawson Hill co-runs a newsletter called Middle Grade at Heart, which is a book club kit with a new middle-grade book each month. Her debut middle-grade book was published in Fall 2018.
She lives in Atwater, California.
Joanne Lew-Vriethoff is an award-winning illustrator who received her BA in illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. She illustrates for picture books, middle grade novels, early readers, and educational books.
She lives in Amsterdam.
Death is a particularly difficult topic to discuss with children, but this book helps to broach the subject gently and with respect for young people’s sensibilities…. An excellent choice for children who are dealing with the loss of a loved one or just learning about death.
—Kirkus Starred Review
At a time when many kids are facing the loss of a loved one due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this title offers a reassuring take on the topic… Reflecting the gentle tone of the book, the illustrations are soft and warm and are primarily in pastel colors. These show kids with a range skin tones engaging in various activities—playing the piano, picking flowers, reading, sitting at a beach, sledding. In most of the pictures, the kids are smiling as they appear to be remembering their lost loved one, creating a hopeful vibe
—School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-At a time when many kids are facing the loss of a loved one due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this title offers a reassuring take on the topic. In poetic text, an unnamed narrator describes different ways that people we love remain with us after they die. "I will not always be greeting the morning with you. But youll find me in the soft sounds of slippered feet." The concepts in this title are a little abstract, and will likely need to be unpacked for listeners with a discussion during reading or afterward. Reflecting the gentle tone of the book, the illustrations are soft and warm and are primarily in pastel colors. These show kids with a range skin tones engaging in various activities-playing the piano, picking flowers, reading, sitting at a beach, sledding. In most of the pictures, the kids are smiling as they appear to be remembering their lost loved one, creating a hopeful vibe. VERDICT Although this title doesnt break any new ground, it is appropriate to give to kids dealing with grief and loss. Recommended for larger collections.-Melanie Kletter, School Library Journalα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
—School Library Journal
