Let Me Hold You Longer

by Karen Kingsbury, Karen Kingsbury

Over 450,000 copies sold!

New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury reminds us to savor every moment with our kids in this unforgettable book.
With heartwarming illustrations and a sweet, reflective tone, bestselling author Karen Kingsbury encourages parents to savor not only their children’s firsts , like first steps and first words, but the lasts as well. With the tenderness of a mother speaking directly to her child, Karen reminds us not to miss last days of kindergarten and last at-bats in Little League amid the whirlwind of life. Adapted from a poem in Rejoice , this book allows mothers and grandmothers everywhere to identify with the tenderhearted reflections on these pages.

Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury has created a touching reminder that the years of childhood fly too quickly by us. Most of us faithfully remember and capture our children’s “firsts.” Karen encourages readers to try to recognize and savor the often-fleeting “lasts”―those milestones that so easily go unrecorded. The illustrations by Mary Collier provide a lighthearted portrayal of everyday family life . . . pictures we can all relate to. You and your children of all ages will smile, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear over them together. Let Me Hold You Longer is a heartwarming reminder of the precious process of growing up and the joys of watching it happen.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, Christian Fiction, Family, Parenting, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 11, 2004

About the author

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly sweet story written by a mother of six which reminds all parents to treasure each moment we spend with our children. As parents, we are usually so good about recording 'firsts', i.e., first tooth, step, word, grade, soccer goal, car, etc., but we often forget to notice 'lasts': last bottle, nap, bouquet of dandelions, sticky kiss, bed-time story, camp-out . . . all those little joys of childhood which are what make being a mother--or a father--the best job in the world and are over before we know it.

Karen Kingsbury puts the question to us, "What would you do if you knew this was going to be the last time your child did ______?"

And yet, despite the title, it's not about holding on to our children, just about cherishing what we hold now, realizing how quickly the present slips away.

For a real treat, listen to the author read the poem-story aloud and tell about the inspiration behind it in this short YouTube clip.

[La Tonya Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best-selling Author Karen Kingsbury has created a touching reminder that the years of childhood fly too quickly by us.

Most of us faithfully remember and capture our children's "firsts." Karen encourages readers to try to recognize and savor the often-fleeting "lasts" - those milestones that so easily go unrecorded.
The illustration by Mary Collier provide a lighthearted portrayal of everyday family life .... pictures we can all relate to. You and your children of all ages will smile, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear over them together.

Let Me Hold You Longer is a heartwarming reminder of the precious process of growing up and the joys of watching it happen.

Quote:
The last time when I shout that yes, your room is still a mess.
The last time that you need me for a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night with your old tattered bear.

Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.

[Harlyn Rengel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sad it made both my parents cry

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of those sentimental books meant to make moms cry and kids bored.

[Briggs Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes me cry !

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembering your last with your child. Remembering the last you are able to hold them in your arms, carry them around, dance with them, (my personal favorite), drive them to lessons, go to band competitions, orchestra competitions, etc., etc.. My children are all grown up and do not need me as much, which is bitter sweet of it all. You raise them to love the Lord, and love people, then they are on their own, making their own decisions. Will be buying this book for my grandchildren.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Bawled. My. Eyes. Out!!!

Oh this hit me right to the core. I struggled to read this aloud to my kids. An incredibly sweet story of a child's "lasts". It brought a tender moment when my three hugged me for a long time afterwards.

Every mama should own this!

5/9/21 Reread this for Mother's
Day. Still bawled my eyes out. Such a good reminder to slow down and enjoy your children.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen Kingsbury’s “Let Me Hold You Longer” is a beautifully heartfelt picture book that speaks more to parents than to children. While it features charming illustrations sure to capture a child’s attention, the real emotional impact is for adults who understand the fleeting nature of childhood.

Instead of focusing on a child’s firsts—the first steps, first words, first days—this book gently reminds parents to treasure the “lasts” we often overlook: the last time your child reaches for your hand, the last bedtime story, the last day they need you quite the same way. Kingsbury’s simple yet poignant text stirs deep reflection, making it as much a keepsake for memory-making as it is a bedtime read.

Paired with tender, warm artwork, the story encourages parents to slow down and savor the present moments with their children. It’s a book that might bring tears to a parent’s eyes and inspire more hugs, more pictures, and more mindfulness in the everyday routines of family life.

For parents, grandparents, or anyone navigating the bittersweet journey of watching children grow up, “Let Me Hold You Longer” is less a children’s story and more a love letter to parenthood—a touching reminder to hold on a little longer, because those moments pass all too quickly.

[Nancy Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEET STORY!!! Let Me Hold You Longer is a story about the precious moments we have in life. This story is told from the perspective of a mom who thinks about the lifetime of her sons lasts. It begins from the very beginning when he is born to when he heads off to college. Some examples of the lasts are the the last time you wore your faded baseball cap, last bat at little league, last piano lesson and the last time you were your high school football jersey. This our just a few of the examples that are throughout the book. This book is a precious story that is happy and sad all at once. As I read it I think about the many lasts that I had in my life and realize how quickly life goes by. We need to truly make the most of every minute and to cherish the times with out families. Also the artistry throughout was wonderful; very clean and crisp. I think that this would be good for students and parents, its a reminder of the joy of growing up and the experience the parents have of watching it.

[Kelsie Hutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is overall a good book that has to do with growing up. The book message is a good one for kids who do not always necessarily realize how fast life actually goes by. The book teaches or highlights how as you grow there are things that you will do for the last time. For example, the last time sleeping in a crib, the last time you hit a ball off of a tee, or the last time you go to high school. The thing I did not particularly like all that much about this book, is the art. The art sort of loses a disconnect with the children because it looks dark, is plain, and does not necessarily look like the art of a children's book.

[Lexi Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sentimental book about a mother reflecting on all of the moments in her children's lives that will mark the last time that they do various childhood activities. It is a very sweet book, but I feel like it is geared more toward parents than children. However, I do think that a child would still enjoy it because of the fun illustrations that help tell the story. This is a book that I probably wouldn't highlight in a classroom because of the nature of the theme. This just seems like a book that would be good for a mom to read with her kids.

[Melissa Ganka-Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, it was oK. I don't know who this book is for. A mother is remembering all the last moments she will have with her son before he grows up and moves onto the next phase of life. It seems like a little kid's storybook, but I can't imagine a kid enjoying having this read to him. You could give it as a senior gift, but unless your son is emotional, I'm not sure he'll connect with this mother's musings. (My son just graduated this spring and I can't see him appreciating this.) It's really for the mothers. But I would rather write my thoughts in a journal than read this. Too sappy for me.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Struck me as more of a book for moms to cry through than a book that kids would relate to. It is not breast-feeding friendly ("the last time I held a bottle to your baby lips") and assumes that all young adults will take the same path ("college life will becken"). Also, I personally found that the word "lasts" was awkward to say. All in all a sweet book, but could've been better.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

HB-M, w/bonus CD, @ 2004, read 7/26/19. Illustrated by Mary Collier. A beautiful book, focusing on the "lasts" in a child's life, instead of the "firsts", such as the last day of kindergarten, the last good-night cuddles, the last high school football game. It's classified as a juvenile book, but it's written for parents. A beautiful book about an often forgotten message. 5☆'s = Excellent.

[Toni Biaggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious Childhood Memories

As I was writing a speech to be given at my daughter’s upcoming wedding, I came across this sweet book…and it made me stop and realize how quickly my time with her has gone. Of course, I remembered firsts, but this made me stop and think about the lasts! I will be giving this to every new mother!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times when a children’s book needs to be an “every age” genre. This book is beautifully illustrated and written - telling the lesson that life is short and precious. Stay in the moment!
This is Karen Kingsbury’s first children’s book and truly a treasure. This book is for kids, parents, and grandparents.

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book about the lasts in a person's life. We focus on the first (first step, first birthday etc) but rarely think of the last (last bottle, last diaper, last lost tooth, etc). It is bittersweet and lovely.

[Mara Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book looks at life and how we start as kids, getting help from our parents, and eventually, the tables have turned and we are taking care of our parents.

3 topic ideas:
Family - Healthy relationships, love
Rhyme
Growing up, responsibility

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the passage of time through the eyes of a mother as she looks back and remembers the "firsts" of her child, and forward in time to the "last" as the child grows into an independent young adult.

[Sandra Winans · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a guest speaker who read this book at a conference. The book highlights the importance of family. This is a great book to read to a child as you note all the “first” moments and cherish memories.

[Melissa Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My foster kids chose this book often because they thought it was hilarious to see me cry.

It's really, really good. It reminds you to treasure what matters most, and be grateful for the time you still have.

This makes a great baby shower gift to mommies of little boys. ❤

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the Karen Kingsbury books and this one was a newer one so I decided to read it. It’s a very good short kids book and I recommend it as a good book to read. I can’t wait to read her next two new books soon.

[Amber Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury was a very sweet kids book that I would recommend to all mom's and dad's for their children as it is a sweet story with cute pictures that is a must read.

[Ruthy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for Moms with young ones to remember what's important.

[Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭

Kid loved the illustrations. I was sooo touched by the story. Time is fleeting. 👧

[Ashley Zink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story that illustrated how fast childhood flies by. K-3rd

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this poem in her Baxter book series, and seeing it all illustrated here in a children's book makes it even more meaningful.

[Melissa Aleshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every mom needs to read

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab a tissue. Great gift for graduating seniors! 2020 has taught us all a whole lot of lessons, remembering our kids pasts is heart wrenching, especially when it’s all changed so much.

[Shauna Patrick]

Gave to my daughter as an 18th birthday gift