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Up Toward the Light
Through a simple conversation between a boy and a tree, country-music star Granger Smith shares an incredibly powerful and deeply moving story filled with life lessons on loss, grief, and the strength gained in finding the light and the will to move forward with joy and purpose. In this wonder-filled and inspiring story of surprising loss but found strength, a boy encounters a red oak who shares forest wisdom about the rich soil and the nourishing sun, pointing the boy toward a simple truth about moving we must grow toward the light. With breathtaking artwork from Laura Watkins, this picture book As you settle into the soothing nature of Granger's storytelling, let this meaningful interaction between a boy and a tree guide you toward the purpose and goodness of life.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 9, 2025
Up Toward the Light is the touching story of a boy's grief over his grandfather's death. He and his dog go find the largest tree in the forest. As he and the tree talk, they find that the grandfather connects them.
Laura Watkins' beautiful illustrations in this children's picture book convey the deep emotions of the story.
This book would be helpful to children dealing with loss or those about to lose a loved one.
Laura Watkins' beautiful illustrations in this children's picture book convey the deep emotions of the story.
This book would be helpful to children dealing with loss or those about to lose a loved one.
January 24, 2024
'Up Toward the Light' is written by Granger Smith and stunningly illustrated by Laura Watkins. The book's joyous story invites readers to delve into its allegorical layers and encourages interpreting life's lessons. It's a wisdom-packed journey for all, resonating with the profound message that no pain is wasted. In the words of the book, "Your tears, like old leaves, will enrich your soil." A delightful blend of beauty and depth, 'Up Toward the Light' is a treasure that transcends generations, urging everyone to embrace who they are and pay kindness forward.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Tommy Nelson in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are entirely my own, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had an early look at this work.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Tommy Nelson in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are entirely my own, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had an early look at this work.
May 15, 2024
Hold on to your heartstrings in this emotional journey filled with support, guidance and light during the changing seasons.
February 7, 2024
4.5 Stars
This is the story of a boy and his dog who go in search of a tree, but not just any tree - a special one. It’s a journey that takes them many places, hiking over fields, over fences, a cedar thicket until they arrive at the perfect tree. The boy greets it with Hi, Tree.’ and the tree responds to his greeting with ’Hello, Boy.’
The boy tells the tree that his grandfather had told him that this tree was a special tree, and wants to know if that is true, but the tree doesn’t seem to think it is all that special. Then the boy notices that the tree is taller than the others and wants to know what it is like to be so tall, and how deep its roots are, along with many other questions. But the tree is happy as it is, and doesn’t care how tall it is, or how deep its roots are, this is where he is, and where he is content to be.
When the boy notices that some of the trees have lost their leaves, but that the tree still has some on top, the tree tells him he will lose them all, that the leaves that drop are never wasted because it makes the soil richer.
As the story continues, the boy learns a lesson from the tree, and in turn, the tree shares his story, as well.
This is a beautifully illustrated story that explores the themes of grief and loss, as well as gratitude and the gift of giving in return.
Pub Date: 02 Apr 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN’S, Tommy Nelson
This is the story of a boy and his dog who go in search of a tree, but not just any tree - a special one. It’s a journey that takes them many places, hiking over fields, over fences, a cedar thicket until they arrive at the perfect tree. The boy greets it with Hi, Tree.’ and the tree responds to his greeting with ’Hello, Boy.’
The boy tells the tree that his grandfather had told him that this tree was a special tree, and wants to know if that is true, but the tree doesn’t seem to think it is all that special. Then the boy notices that the tree is taller than the others and wants to know what it is like to be so tall, and how deep its roots are, along with many other questions. But the tree is happy as it is, and doesn’t care how tall it is, or how deep its roots are, this is where he is, and where he is content to be.
When the boy notices that some of the trees have lost their leaves, but that the tree still has some on top, the tree tells him he will lose them all, that the leaves that drop are never wasted because it makes the soil richer.
As the story continues, the boy learns a lesson from the tree, and in turn, the tree shares his story, as well.
This is a beautifully illustrated story that explores the themes of grief and loss, as well as gratitude and the gift of giving in return.
Pub Date: 02 Apr 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN’S, Tommy Nelson
March 29, 2024
The story of Up Toward the Light is very well-written and illustrated. It is a book explaining a sensitive subject with children but done in such a way that will help ease the pain of family loss.
The beautiful illustrations put in bold autumn colors enrich the pages as the story unfolds. The nature pages are soothing as well as the message. This would make a great addition to your children's library.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The beautiful illustrations put in bold autumn colors enrich the pages as the story unfolds. The nature pages are soothing as well as the message. This would make a great addition to your children's library.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
June 15, 2024
Received this book as a goodreads giveaway win. It was absolutely beautifully illustrated and a wonderful way to process the loss of a grandfather. It brought tears to my eyes as I thought of my own grandfather and the impact he had on my life. I'm happy to be able to add this book into my own child's library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
Such a wonderful depiction of God's love for us. The portrayal of the tree stretching toward the light is a great story to read over and over to our children and grandchildren. This is a perfect gift for any new parent that will inspire for years to come.
January 4, 2024
This is book that seeks to teach children about how to deal with grief and loss. It is beautifully done, and the illustrations are stunning, though some aspects of it may be difficult for a younger reader to fully grasp.
For that reason, I think this is a book that's best read alongside someone older, who can explain some of the more abstruse metaphorical lessons contained herein.
A young boy is instructed by his grandfather to go into nature and find one particular, very special tree - a red oak.
After the loss of a very beloved person in his life, the boy is able to have a conversation with the tree that not only teaches him a great deal about nature and trees but also provides a number of metaphorical lessons on life: how to grow, how to reach higher, how to heal.
The book does not explicitly address the issue of faith in terms of God, but can be interpreted to do so for those who wish to. It works very effectively in secular terms also, and thus is likely to have crossover appeal. It gets 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, half a star taken off because it feels like little too abstract at times for the targeted age group.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For that reason, I think this is a book that's best read alongside someone older, who can explain some of the more abstruse metaphorical lessons contained herein.
A young boy is instructed by his grandfather to go into nature and find one particular, very special tree - a red oak.
After the loss of a very beloved person in his life, the boy is able to have a conversation with the tree that not only teaches him a great deal about nature and trees but also provides a number of metaphorical lessons on life: how to grow, how to reach higher, how to heal.
The book does not explicitly address the issue of faith in terms of God, but can be interpreted to do so for those who wish to. It works very effectively in secular terms also, and thus is likely to have crossover appeal. It gets 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, half a star taken off because it feels like little too abstract at times for the targeted age group.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 1, 2024
Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson Children’s and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
A little boy is grieving his grandpa goes to the tree his grandpa always says was special, he doesn’t know why it was so special, so he asks it questions and finds out exactly how special it really is, and what it meant to his grandpa.
This was so beautifully written, it’s a beautiful way of sharing about grief, about love, about nature and about finding the beauty everywhere. There was so much to this story and it was so lovely.
The little boy wanted his grandpa back, he didn’t know how to be without him, but this tree gave him a place to go, a place to reconnect with his grandpa. I loved the way that the tree spoke back to him, answering his questions, helping him understand how the seasons change, how the tree grew so big and how it stands tall towards the light.
This was just so beautiful and showing a different way to grieve and grow at the same time. The illustrations were just absolutely beautiful and I really loved looking at them, seeing the little boy discover the tree, seeing his young grandpa growing the tree so lovingly. It was so wonderful to read and very touching, the boy found a special place with his grandpas special tree.
A little boy is grieving his grandpa goes to the tree his grandpa always says was special, he doesn’t know why it was so special, so he asks it questions and finds out exactly how special it really is, and what it meant to his grandpa.
This was so beautifully written, it’s a beautiful way of sharing about grief, about love, about nature and about finding the beauty everywhere. There was so much to this story and it was so lovely.
The little boy wanted his grandpa back, he didn’t know how to be without him, but this tree gave him a place to go, a place to reconnect with his grandpa. I loved the way that the tree spoke back to him, answering his questions, helping him understand how the seasons change, how the tree grew so big and how it stands tall towards the light.
This was just so beautiful and showing a different way to grieve and grow at the same time. The illustrations were just absolutely beautiful and I really loved looking at them, seeing the little boy discover the tree, seeing his young grandpa growing the tree so lovingly. It was so wonderful to read and very touching, the boy found a special place with his grandpas special tree.
December 30, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
At first, I wanted to pick up this book because of it being written by Granger Smith. His music puts me in mind of old country music. Not this pop/country crossover that it is today. So when I heard he had written a children’s book, I just had to read it.
My daughter and I read this during her tummy time. I’ll be honest I didn’t think I’d like it. I didn’t think it would be that good as it was written by a country music star. Even though the synopsis sounded good, I didn’t have much hope. Boy was I wrong.
I loved this book. I almost cried. I couldn’t believe the turn it took and how close to home it got. Talking about the loss of a family member so close to you is hard and even harder for a young child to understand. This to me is a perfect way to help explain loss and the legacy they leave behind. I loved this book and will be buying it not only for my daughter but for my nieces and nephews and even for my mom. This is an amazing book and I recommend it to everyone.
At first, I wanted to pick up this book because of it being written by Granger Smith. His music puts me in mind of old country music. Not this pop/country crossover that it is today. So when I heard he had written a children’s book, I just had to read it.
My daughter and I read this during her tummy time. I’ll be honest I didn’t think I’d like it. I didn’t think it would be that good as it was written by a country music star. Even though the synopsis sounded good, I didn’t have much hope. Boy was I wrong.
I loved this book. I almost cried. I couldn’t believe the turn it took and how close to home it got. Talking about the loss of a family member so close to you is hard and even harder for a young child to understand. This to me is a perfect way to help explain loss and the legacy they leave behind. I loved this book and will be buying it not only for my daughter but for my nieces and nephews and even for my mom. This is an amazing book and I recommend it to everyone.
June 21, 2024
When I see “story of loss” and a dog on the cover of a book, I assume I’m getting a dead pet story, and honestly…that’s kind of my thing? When I’m having emotional issues, I appreciate the cry from a dead pet book. Yet this book’s grief is not for a dog, but for a grandfather, which certainly hits the characters harder, if not me.
And this book is brilliantly crafted for helping children with the loss of a human person. It’s concerned with legacy and care, not just the simple love of an animal. Thee oak tree on the cover speaks with the boy, telling him the story of how a young man once grew it from an acorn, and cared for the tree until it was time to be out in nature, growing tall on its own, “up toward the light.” There is also a lot of focus on the metaphor of falling leaves and falling tears both having a purpose, in helping us grow stronger.
This book is so gentle, and would be absolutely devastating, in the best possible manner, to the right audience. If you’ve gone through loss recently, be prepared for your kid to have a major catharsis.
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
And this book is brilliantly crafted for helping children with the loss of a human person. It’s concerned with legacy and care, not just the simple love of an animal. Thee oak tree on the cover speaks with the boy, telling him the story of how a young man once grew it from an acorn, and cared for the tree until it was time to be out in nature, growing tall on its own, “up toward the light.” There is also a lot of focus on the metaphor of falling leaves and falling tears both having a purpose, in helping us grow stronger.
This book is so gentle, and would be absolutely devastating, in the best possible manner, to the right audience. If you’ve gone through loss recently, be prepared for your kid to have a major catharsis.
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
March 7, 2024
This book was so sweet, and the illustrations are beautiful. It held notes of Shel Silverstein's _The Giving Tree_, only better. It touches on grief, loss and struggling with change but not in a heavy-handed way. I loved the metaphor of the tree's seasons and life cycle to relate to the pain the boy was experiencing. This is a book that kids will not only enjoy but that they can also learn from. The special connection between the tree and the boy's grandpa was a sweet addition, and it really brought the story full circle. Absolutely lovely, and although I would say confidently that this is an uplifting and God-honoring book, it could also be enjoyed by a secular audience. The motif of growing "toward the light" could easily be a conversation starter for Christian parents to discuss the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord during pain and struggles, and it's exactly the conversation I plan to have with my own kids when I share this book with them.
*I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Tommy Nelson. My opinions are entirely my own.
*I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Tommy Nelson. My opinions are entirely my own.
March 27, 2024
This book is a gem among children’s stories. Mr. Smith communicates his story of a young boy with honesty, strength, relatability, and compassion. It’s just enough of a heart-strings tug to connect with child, and adult alike, yet masterful in compassion driven understanding and empathy, neither sappy, or overbearing, but gentle, and encouraging. There is such a precious, subtle, Gospel-infused grace in the story.
On a personal level, being someone who experienced family loss as young as 3 yrs. old, and again every few years into my late 30’s, I can only say I’m grateful for the wisdom God has given Mr. Smith, and the sweetness of Ms. Watkins’ illustrations, to tell a story of grief which is genuinely hopeful, yet more importantly aimed at what is true - that our aim must be eternally set upon the Light of Christ, the One Who wipes every tear from our eyes, holds every one in His bottle, and causes us to rest at last in Him with no more sorrow. It is a gift to me now, and would be an amazing resource to a child newly navigating grief.
On a personal level, being someone who experienced family loss as young as 3 yrs. old, and again every few years into my late 30’s, I can only say I’m grateful for the wisdom God has given Mr. Smith, and the sweetness of Ms. Watkins’ illustrations, to tell a story of grief which is genuinely hopeful, yet more importantly aimed at what is true - that our aim must be eternally set upon the Light of Christ, the One Who wipes every tear from our eyes, holds every one in His bottle, and causes us to rest at last in Him with no more sorrow. It is a gift to me now, and would be an amazing resource to a child newly navigating grief.
March 28, 2024
A boy and his dog go walking into the forest to find a red oak tree, one his grandfather told him was a very special tree. The boy begins to ask him questions about being a tree, which the thee answers in an informative and wise way. The tone changes when the boy begins talking about how he misses his grandfather and the two of them discuss grief and moving on with their lives.
The artwork in the text is really gorgeous and I love the palette. I think the tone of the book is good, and it does a good job of informing the reader about the basics of trees. I do feel there is a bit of an awkward shift when suddenly the boy begins talking about the grandfather when they have spent so much time talking about being a tree. The change in subject matter throws me a little. Overall, I think it is a good book to share with a child who is going through the loss of a grandparent - it delicately hits the right notes when talking about grief.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
The artwork in the text is really gorgeous and I love the palette. I think the tone of the book is good, and it does a good job of informing the reader about the basics of trees. I do feel there is a bit of an awkward shift when suddenly the boy begins talking about the grandfather when they have spent so much time talking about being a tree. The change in subject matter throws me a little. Overall, I think it is a good book to share with a child who is going through the loss of a grandparent - it delicately hits the right notes when talking about grief.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
March 26, 2024
Up Towards the Light is a reflective story about a young boy who is directed by his grandpa to find a tree, after the death of his grandpa. What follows is a conversation between the boy and the tree about many important life learnings.
This story is full of rich messages about accepting people for who they are, the strength in working together, letting go in order to grow, growing at your own pace, and self compassion and moving on during grief. I felt some of the metaphors may be too abstract for young readers, but this would be a great read for their grownups to share with them and use as a prompt for sharing ideas and discussion.
The illustrations really shone and had a mesmerising golden tone which really brought the story to life. I really felt immersed in the forest with the boy and the tree.
Thank you Thomas Nelson: Children’s and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.
This story is full of rich messages about accepting people for who they are, the strength in working together, letting go in order to grow, growing at your own pace, and self compassion and moving on during grief. I felt some of the metaphors may be too abstract for young readers, but this would be a great read for their grownups to share with them and use as a prompt for sharing ideas and discussion.
The illustrations really shone and had a mesmerising golden tone which really brought the story to life. I really felt immersed in the forest with the boy and the tree.
Thank you Thomas Nelson: Children’s and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.
April 30, 2024
Up Toward the Light is the story of a heart-warming conversation between a young boy and a large oak tree covering the topics of loss and grief. The boy is grieving the loss of his grandfather (who planted the tree). Both the tree and the boy have received love and care from the grandfather, and the tree helps the boy discover how to navigate this season of life he is in and how to move into the next. Neither the boy nor the tree were intended to grow toward the grandfather, but rather, up toward the light.
While younger children will enjoy the story and the realistic but charming illustrations, older children will be able to understand the deeper messages presented in the book. We all experience some degree of grief and loss in this life, and this book is a perfect way to help children understand and grow through those tougher seasons. This book has become a favorite of our family!
I received an advance copy of this book, however, all opinions expressed are my own and honest.
While younger children will enjoy the story and the realistic but charming illustrations, older children will be able to understand the deeper messages presented in the book. We all experience some degree of grief and loss in this life, and this book is a perfect way to help children understand and grow through those tougher seasons. This book has become a favorite of our family!
I received an advance copy of this book, however, all opinions expressed are my own and honest.
April 3, 2024
Up Toward The Light by Granger Smith is a beautiful story of change, growth and death told through a boy talking to a tree. I just loved it. It is a hard cover book that measures about 9 by 11 inches in size and is 32 pages long. It is aimed at children ages 4 to 8 and I think that is about right--except I would add that I think this beautiful story could truly be appreciated by everyone in the family at story time, no matter how old they are.
There are implied spiritual lessons within this story but I wouldn't say it is overtly Christian. I could be enjoyed be people of all faiths.
The illustrations from Laura Watkins are just gorgeous. I think they pair well with the story and invite the reader into this lovely story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Amazon Vine Program. All opinions within this review are my own.
There are implied spiritual lessons within this story but I wouldn't say it is overtly Christian. I could be enjoyed be people of all faiths.
The illustrations from Laura Watkins are just gorgeous. I think they pair well with the story and invite the reader into this lovely story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Amazon Vine Program. All opinions within this review are my own.
March 22, 2024
Granger Smith’s beautifully written picture book Up Toward the Light provides a message of hope and strength for youth who have endured loss. After the loss of his beloved grandfather, a young boy and his dog go into the woods in search of a special tree. Once found, the boy begins a conversation with the humble red oak. Through this allegorical layered discussion, the boy learns the significance of grief/pain and how it strengthens and unites us together. The “broken pieces join together so that our roots can stand firm,” the tree explains. The boy comes to understand that in order to get through loss he must let go, learn to grow toward the light, and spread such light by paying it forward.
April 4, 2024
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
For a picture book the concept of grieving will be a little hard to grasp for a young child. I liked how we found out that the tree was special because the boy's grandfather had planted it. I was disappointed that the general story had such a vague sense that the light is God. You only get that understanding if you are reading it from a Christian viewpoint. The author information clearly states that Smith left the music business to share the good news of Jesus through authorship, so why wasn't there a more clearly defined Christina message in this book? Reading the author information and seeing the Thomas Nelson imprint are the only indicators that there may be a Christian message to be found.
For a picture book the concept of grieving will be a little hard to grasp for a young child. I liked how we found out that the tree was special because the boy's grandfather had planted it. I was disappointed that the general story had such a vague sense that the light is God. You only get that understanding if you are reading it from a Christian viewpoint. The author information clearly states that Smith left the music business to share the good news of Jesus through authorship, so why wasn't there a more clearly defined Christina message in this book? Reading the author information and seeing the Thomas Nelson imprint are the only indicators that there may be a Christian message to be found.
April 24, 2024
Up Toward the Light by Granger Smith illustrated by Laura Watkins is a beautiful book. The stunning pictures enhance this incredible story. A young boy converses with a tree who tells him of the role of the tree in the woods, his grandfather who planted him, and the life cycle of trees. This lyrical book beautifully shares themes of grief, loss and life lessons.
I often read children’s books on grief. Up Towards the Light by Granger Smith illustrated by Larua Watkins beautifully shares life lessons while teaching about trees. This is a wonderful story appropriate for children ages 6-10. I highly recommend.
I was given a copy by the publisher not required to write a positive review.
I often read children’s books on grief. Up Towards the Light by Granger Smith illustrated by Larua Watkins beautifully shares life lessons while teaching about trees. This is a wonderful story appropriate for children ages 6-10. I highly recommend.
I was given a copy by the publisher not required to write a positive review.
July 18, 2024
Country music star Granger Smith brings readers this banal tale of death and grief (at least that's what the blurb says) told through the conversation of a boy and a tree. Readers aren't told that the boy's grandfather has passed away until almost the end of the book. The first three quarters of the book are the tree explaining soil composition and why leaves fall off. Oh, and my personal favorite: conformity; as the boy tells the oak tree about the great Sequoias in California, the tree replies "I only know how to be a red oak in this forest, and I'm at peace with that."
Nothing like telling an excited child who dreams of great things that he can't be anything other than he is. But remember, the book is about death and grief.
Nothing like telling an excited child who dreams of great things that he can't be anything other than he is. But remember, the book is about death and grief.
December 13, 2023
A pleasant read, but one that will appeal more to the parent/teacher/guardian as opposed to the child in the audience. A lad goes into the forest to speak to a tree – one specific red oak, to be precise – and it seems to be a conversation designed to teach us about trees by proxy. Only it's more than that, and the kid has other reasons for starting the conversation. This proves to be a gentle look at how life goes on through the generations, and it's very nice and all, with a lovely glowing 'golden hour' warmth to the visuals, but the older user will have to end up nudging the younger as to its actual meaning and purpose. That done it might be worth three and a half stars.
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January 12, 2024*Thank you NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*
So. I'll start with the positive. This picture book is beautifully illustrated and I love how the topics of grief and change are conveyed. It had all the elements to win me over, and I was eager to recommend it to anyone searching for a children's book addressing these topics.
Unfortunately, all of this went to shit when I looked up the author and found out that he is openly racist and homophobic. Therefore, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book or even rate it.
There are so many great authors out there, let's not give bigots platforms.
So. I'll start with the positive. This picture book is beautifully illustrated and I love how the topics of grief and change are conveyed. It had all the elements to win me over, and I was eager to recommend it to anyone searching for a children's book addressing these topics.
Unfortunately, all of this went to shit when I looked up the author and found out that he is openly racist and homophobic. Therefore, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book or even rate it.
There are so many great authors out there, let's not give bigots platforms.
January 21, 2024
A gentle lyrical story that deals with death and loss in a calm manner.
A boy has a conversation with a tree after the death of his grandfather.
This story is beautifully illustrated with whimsical golden illustrations that speak of autumn leaves and warm fires.
The book follows a boy talking to a tree his grandfather planted. One part philosophy and one part wisdom for how to be and act. This is a rich story with so many discussion points. It would be a great teaching tool as well.
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
A boy has a conversation with a tree after the death of his grandfather.
This story is beautifully illustrated with whimsical golden illustrations that speak of autumn leaves and warm fires.
The book follows a boy talking to a tree his grandfather planted. One part philosophy and one part wisdom for how to be and act. This is a rich story with so many discussion points. It would be a great teaching tool as well.
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
March 22, 2024
2.5 stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this picture book.
The illustrations are nice and I liked the overall idea, however I found it hard to connect with this book. The story was a bit confusing too and it did not follow the natural flow of a story plot for kids. It's nice to have books that talk about grief for the little ones, but I feel the message could be delivered in a better way.
I did appreciate that all the Christian details are quite subtle, so one can ignore the religious aspect.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this picture book.
The illustrations are nice and I liked the overall idea, however I found it hard to connect with this book. The story was a bit confusing too and it did not follow the natural flow of a story plot for kids. It's nice to have books that talk about grief for the little ones, but I feel the message could be delivered in a better way.
I did appreciate that all the Christian details are quite subtle, so one can ignore the religious aspect.
April 4, 2024
I think this book is very sweet and my daughter has asked me to read it to her multiple times. My favorite part is when the tree talks about how the soil is made up of the history and the past of the trees (i.e. fallen leaves, twigs, etc.), and how it nourishes the tree. There is some beautiful imagery during the conversation between the boy and the tree. As a Christian, I did wish the book directed the reader towards God more directly rather than just "up toward the light"; though I do understand the significance. Still a sweet book about coping with loss, grief, and life.
(I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review).
(I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review).
April 17, 2024
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
In Up Toward the Light, a young boy grapples with the loss of his grandfather by talking to an old tree. Through the perspective of this wise old tree, the boy learns a valuable lesson in “being content with who you are,” finding strength from the sun (Son), and growing deep roots. Beautiful illustrations gently walk readers through the conversations of the boy and the tree. This book would be a gift for a child who has recently lost a loved one.
In Up Toward the Light, a young boy grapples with the loss of his grandfather by talking to an old tree. Through the perspective of this wise old tree, the boy learns a valuable lesson in “being content with who you are,” finding strength from the sun (Son), and growing deep roots. Beautiful illustrations gently walk readers through the conversations of the boy and the tree. This book would be a gift for a child who has recently lost a loved one.
January 24, 2024
A heartwarming conversation between a boy and a tree over life, being at peace, and living life after loss. Through the tree, the boy learns that pain is never wasted and can be used to help you grow. The book also touches on the importance of growing up toward the light (God). Highly recommend this book for children.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 4, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous book about the inevitable pain of loss. Though marketed as a children's book, this book is appropriate for all ages (though younger readers may not fully grasp the depth).
Grief is hard, especially when we have loved much. But tears, like fallen leaves, enrich our soil and help us grow. I loved the message, and though an adult, the book also helped me understand and embrace the grief I've dealt with in the past.
Highly recommend!
Grief is hard, especially when we have loved much. But tears, like fallen leaves, enrich our soil and help us grow. I loved the message, and though an adult, the book also helped me understand and embrace the grief I've dealt with in the past.
Highly recommend!
April 8, 2024
A beautiful book showing us the journey grief, and all the layers of it. We see the trees circle of life, and the tree shows us deep-rooted lessons about our human lives.
The illustrations are gorgeous! Definitely recommend this book for families, whether you are dealing with the topic of grief, or not.
"Just like a leaf from a tree, no tear is ever wasted."
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The illustrations are gorgeous! Definitely recommend this book for families, whether you are dealing with the topic of grief, or not.
"Just like a leaf from a tree, no tear is ever wasted."
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
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