Together We Remember

by Jackie Morera, Violeta Encarnación (illustrator)

In this tender debut picture book about finding joy despite grief,  a little girl wishes to make Father’s Day even better by using imagination to honor and remember their happiest memories with a lost loved one.

Giselle and Papi are happy together, but there was a time when their two was three, and sometimes remembering is painful. It can also be a lot of fun! They embark on an imagination adventure that includes rainforest hikes, intergalactic planet-hopping, and most of all, remembering Mami through her favorite activity—creating stories and new memories.

This book's vivid, emotive prose makes the complicated themes of grief and absence accessible for young readers in this personal story that centers family, love, and journeys that memory can lead us on.

"Morera's poignant prose blends memories with imagination, offering comfort and glimpses of joy during a time of grief. Encarnación's expressive double-page spreads and vignettes ... will immerse readers in Giselle and her Papi's wondrous adventures."
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (Starred Review)

“In Morera and Encarnación’s wistful bilingual story, imagination-fueled play helps ‘chase the blues away’ for a father and child…loving work about a family’s bond.”
—Publishers Weekly

“An imaginative journey through grief, love, and the promise of adventures yet to come.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Picture Books, Grief, Death, Latinx, Family, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Jackie Morera is a Cuban American author of books for young-at-heart readers. Born and raised in Miami, Jackie now lives with her family in Central Florida. She’s a wife of 10+ years, a mom to the most marvelous kid, and is never far from her animal familiar: currently, a floppy black lab named Tanner. Outside of writing, Jackie enjoys talking to the bees, caterpillars, and butterflies that visit her pollinator garden; savoring pastelitos; and cozying up for a good nap. Jackie is an active member of Las Musas and a 2025 PB Rising Stars Mentor. Jackie is the author of TOGETHER WE REMEMBER, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación; ABUELO'S FLOWER SHOP, illustrated by Deise Lino; and more!

Reviews

[Steena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written story will have the youngest readers ready to explore their imaginations and open their hearts to adventure all around. The illustrations bring out the whimsical side of Giselle as she and Papi remember Mami. The story touches on coping with grief and finding peace in a unique and heartfelt way.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dealing with loss and grief, whatever the form, is never easy. It's important that youngsters come to understand that death and/or loss are a part of life, and even adults struggle with the emotions surrounding loss. In this moving picture book, Giselle, the protagonist, is quite observant and can tell that her father is feeling particularly sad on this day. While it could be that her mother is simply missing or has left the family behind for an adventure, it seems clear that she's dead, judging by the items that are on her dressed--earrings, perfume, and rings, all carefully dusted by Giselle. As Giselle thinks about happier times, she remembers how her mother used her imagination to dream and pretend that all the things they planned to do were happening now. Inspired, she drags her father into a series of imaginative adventures, including flying on a plane, attending a concert on the moon, and time traveling through a book, in this case, a scrapbook filled with family photos and mementos. Despite its subject matter, the story is hopeful, offering one path to healing. The luminous, color-drenched, surreal illustrations, including a much larger-than-life turkey sandwich, were created with textures that were painted and then scanned with Photoshop and Procreate. Giselle's shining example offers a way forward for others in similar circumstances.

[Meghana Narayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive the ARC for this beautiful picture book that celebrates imagination and wonder. In a world where we're constantly overwhelmed by fast-paced news and challenges, this story stands as a beacon for our littlest readers. This story encourages us to lean into the impossible, dive into our memories, and take our grief, loss, and worries and spin them into something new and magical. Though themes of loss are present, the book radiates light and joy through its vibrant illustrations and heartfelt words. And the author’s note at the end? Make sure you have some tissues on hand. Well done!

[Mariana Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book written by Jackie Morera is heartwarming, touching, and full of creativity, imagination, and love. The story follows Giselle and her Papi as they navigate the loss of Mami, trying to find a way to move on and experience new adventures, while also remembering the days and dreams they once shared with Mami. The beautiful illustrations by artist Violeta Encarnación, are the perfect pairing for the lovely text and they are filled with color and whimsical details that spark imagination.

This book will be a great resource for discussions regarding loss, grief, and raising up afterwards. I highly recommend it for schools, libraries, and homes.

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together We Remember is a beautiful, poignant story. It deals with loss, memories, and the love that ties everything together. The illustrations by Encarnacion are striking and support the power of the text perfectly. Gisele and her father navigate the loss of their mom/wife through experiences that honor her spirit. Loss involves remembering the past, but it also involves forging forward into the future with new adventures that can help heal. I highly recommend this book for anyone dealing with a loss as well as anyone looking for a beautiful, lyrical book.

[Paola Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Together We Remember" is a tender and uplifting journey that gently guides readers, young and old, through healing and hope.
At the heart of the story is Giselle, a little girl determined to bring joy back into her Papi’s world after the loss of her Mami. So, she leads them on a heartfelt adventure powered by imagination and love.
Morera beautifully highlights the magic of creativity as a path to healing, while Encarnación’s vibrant illustrations breathe life into every page. A must-have for every bookshelf.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie Morera focuses on a common central experience for many -- the loss of the loved one. In this case, a young girl and her father try to cope after the loss of her mom (when three became two). They find the right combination of the young girl's imagination with her father's memories to create experience to celebrate the life of mother/wife. Violeta Encarnaion's illustrations help turn the imagined journeys into real experiences. Morera ends the book with an author's note to provide more insights about her inspiration. Christopher Myers also adds a final word.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's note beautifully describes the book as "a story about the power of memories and how, if we engage with our imagination in just the right way, we can create the world we most desire. Even if only for a spell." I couldn't describe this book any better. A beautiful and heartfelt depiction of a father and daughter who go on several imaginary adventures as a way to remember their partner/mother. Stunning illustrations and lyrical text make the story burst from the pages and allow the concept of remembering loved ones lost accessible to young readers.

[Meneka Repka · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much depth to this book- on one level, each scene has an enduring and underlying feeling of grief, but it equally demonstrates the power of love and imagination. In a time when children are increasingly exposed to media at the expense of developing their own sense of magic and play, this book is incredibly important. The art was absolutely breathtaking and inspiring, with gorgeous textures and details.

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lovely. It tenderly explores the journey of a father and daughter navigating the loss of a loved one. It will gently introduce young readers to complex emotions, and make it easier for them to understand feelings of grief and remembrance. At the same time, the book is fun and uplifting. The imaginative adventures highlight the bond of family and the power of memories. A touching read. Highly recommended.

[Melissa Trempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together We Remember is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book about a father and daughter as they miss mom, and work to create new memories together with their imaginations. The text and illustrations are both lovely and lyrical. I love the strong father figure and the whimsical adventure they go on together. I highly recommend this book for any reader who is missing someone they love.

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together We Remember is a beautiful book that follows the heartfelt journey of a father and daughter as they navigate the loss of a loved one, holding cherished memories while grieving. It explores the themes of remembrance, healing, and the creation of new memories and adventures together. With lovely lyrical text and whimsical illustrations, readers will love this book. It’s for anyone-- but especially for those who may be dealing with loss.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together We Remember is a beautiful story in every way. After their “three” becomes “two”, Giselle and Papi go on a quest to find joy despite their grief –using their imagination to honor and remember Mami. Although the story involves losing a loved one, reading this book is like being embraced with a warm hug. The incredible illustrations, combined with the beautiful words, add light, whimsy and brilliantly portray the joys of making new memories with loved ones. Highly recommend!

[Sabrina Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful ARC had me tearing up. It celebrates imagination but also the wonderful thing we all have, and that's memories. She takes us on a wonderful journey of remembering a lost parent through the bond and imaginative ways you share with those around you.
The vibrant illustrations pull us into the story in such a stunning, whimsical way and the authors note at the end was simply beautiful.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story with the world.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering and imaginative, this story about grief and resilience follows the imagined adventures of a girl and her Papi as they remember the question, once asked by the mother no longer with them - "Why can't one day be today?" In richly detailed illustrations, they take an imaginary journey to beaches and jungles, to the moon and to new worlds not on any map where "if you you can't find what you're looking for, dream it" as they honor old memories and create new ones together. Beautiful!

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful story approaches grief in such a tender and meaningful way. Readers follow a father and daughter as they honor Mami by creating magical memories together through imagination and play. TOGETHER WE REMEMBER by Jackie Morera and Violeta Encarnación will resonate deeply with children and adults. I was incredibly moved by the stunning art, gorgeous text, and heartfelt author’s note. Grieving families, creatives, and daydreamers will fall in love this exceptional picture book!

[Megan Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical, imaginative, heartfelt, beautiful, and touching. Man, I could go on with the positive adjectives all day! Yes, this is a story of grief, but also of the joy of remembering the past, and honoring it by moving forward to make new joyful memories. Definitely recommend this book for ANY child and parent to read together, not just the ones who have experienced loss-- although those kids may find it uniquely meaningful.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief is hard no matter the age, and author Jackie Morera showcases the way some children grief through imagination. From pink sandy beaches to outer space, Giselle and her dad use their imagination to explores all the places they didn't go before she lost her mom. Having lost a parent during my childhood, I appreciate books that bring hope after loss.

Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.

[Jessica Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this picture book are gorgeous. The story encourages the dreamer in each of us and also addresses the pain of losing a loved one. Giselle and her Papi miss Mami, and they love the memories they have of their time with her. But together they also dream of wonderful things the future might hold for them!

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together We Remember is a perfect book for any reader navigating a loss of a loved one. Its beautiful text paired with equally beautiful art will allow space for difficult but necessary conversations. I love how Mami's voice is still present and with them. Highly recommend adding to all bookshelves.

[HELEN ZAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOGETHER WE REMEMEBER is a beautiful tribute to imagination's power to fill our lives with joy. The story brims with familial love and the importance of letting spectacular worlds unfurl in childish imaginations. Gorgeous illustrations by Encarnacion bring these glorious imaginary worlds to life on the page.

[Lisa Varchol Varchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of hope and possibility, just as much as it is a story of memory and missing. A young girl and her father join together in remembering past adventures and imagining all those left to come. Beautifully illustrated and tenderly told. One of my favorite lines: "If you can't find what you're looking for, then dream it."

[Amanda Calatzis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl takes her loving father on a joy-filled, imaginative journey as a way of coping with the loss of her mother. They adventure to a pink sand beach, a waterfall, an underground lab, outer space and more. The Dad reminds me of Bluey's Dad who always says the right thing and who's always down to play. This book could be just the right medicine for a kid who's grieving.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story weaved with love and heart. This story pulled at my heart strings from the first page, I enjoyed going on this daydream adventure with Giselle and her Papi, the art is truly stunning. A lovely bedtime story for all little ones, I highly recommend adding this one to your family bookshelf!

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book filled with memories (grieving mom), imagination, and hope, as a little girl and her father dare to remember and create new adventures filled with imagination and love. A tribute to love, to hope, and to dream. Gorgeous lyrical text + art will take your kids to many places, even places that don't exist, but we can always dream of.

[Jacqueline Alcantara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book! Gorgeous illustrations, dreamy, sentimental and thoughtful. The book is a really tender story about memory, loss, imagination and a beautiful father / daughter relationship. Great for kids who are dealing with loss, but a lovely story for any reader who likes to get lost in fantastic illustrations and words.

[Chloe Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my heart! TOGETHER WE REMEMBER is such a tender, imaginative story about love, loss, and family. I can't read this story aloud without crying (not a bad thing, kids need to see how adults handle and deal with emotions) I especially love the author's note in the back, something I relate to. A must-read picture book, especially for anyone navigating loss.

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving book about celebrating those who were most close to us, but are no longer with us. A father and daughter create new memories and celebrate old ones in a fabulously creative way that children will adore. Morera’s beautiful text and Encarnacion’s rich artwork is joyfully sentimental. A great book for celebrating memories, both new and old.

[Khari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sniffle.

That's about all I have to say about this book.

It made me sniffle.

The story was more in what was not written than in what was, but the love of a father and his daughter for each other, and their care for the other as they struggle through pain was patently visible in the art and in the words.

Story: Sad but uplifting
Art: Quirky
Price: $18.99

[Anna Ouchchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about memory and imagination. A young girl remembers her mother and takes an imaginary trip with her father through memory and into whimsical and fantastical worlds. The illustrations are exquisite!