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When I Am Not with You: How We’re Together, Even When We’re Apart
Comfort your little one through separation anxieties big and small. From actress, mother of four, and podcast host Sarah Wright Olsen comes When I Am Not with You, a dreamy, rhyming picture book that shows whether it’s across the room or across the world, you and your little one are always together in your hearts and minds.
When I am not with you, where will I be?
In your heart, I will warm you. In your head, you’ll see me.
Those moments alone I’m always with you
Because you’re in my heart and my head too.
In a world that's constantly moving and changing, it can be especially hard for kids to be separated from the people they love most. When I Am Not with You eases readers’ separation anxiety by reassuring them that love can bridge any distance. From building a blanket fort to drinking tea on the moon, this lyrical, comforting book encourages kids to use their imaginations to keep their loved ones close until they’re reunited again.
Perfect for parents to share their boundless love with their children before bedtime, a night out, or a big trip, When I Am Not with You gently reminds readers of all ages that if you hold your loved one in your heart and head, you’re never truly separated.
When I Am Not with You is perfect
sharing with children ages 4 and upcomforting kids through separations both short (like bedtime or back-to-school) and long (like work trips, deployment, or even loss)building healthy mental skills such as patience, coping, mindfulness, imagination, and emotional intelligence
When I am not with you, where will I be?
In your heart, I will warm you. In your head, you’ll see me.
Those moments alone I’m always with you
Because you’re in my heart and my head too.
In a world that's constantly moving and changing, it can be especially hard for kids to be separated from the people they love most. When I Am Not with You eases readers’ separation anxiety by reassuring them that love can bridge any distance. From building a blanket fort to drinking tea on the moon, this lyrical, comforting book encourages kids to use their imaginations to keep their loved ones close until they’re reunited again.
Perfect for parents to share their boundless love with their children before bedtime, a night out, or a big trip, When I Am Not with You gently reminds readers of all ages that if you hold your loved one in your heart and head, you’re never truly separated.
When I Am Not with You is perfect
sharing with children ages 4 and upcomforting kids through separations both short (like bedtime or back-to-school) and long (like work trips, deployment, or even loss)building healthy mental skills such as patience, coping, mindfulness, imagination, and emotional intelligence
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received this advanced digital book from Libro. It is a short, sweet book for children which packs a powerful punch. I can see purchasing this for my grandchildren but also for my adult daughters. It is a poignant reminder that the people we love and those who love us are always close at heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love does not disappear simply because someone leaves the room.
For children beginning preschool, daycare, or any experience away from a trusted caregiver, separation can feel frightening. Until then, a parent or other loved one may have been a constant presence in their lives. When I Am Not with You offers gentle reassurance that distance does not diminish love: Even when caregivers and children are apart, they remain connected through their thoughts, memories, and hearts.
Asa Gilland’s delightful illustrations depict children with a variety of caregivers while complementing the book’s calming suggestions. Children are encouraged to take deep breaths, think about their loved one, or imagine enjoying a favorite activity together. Some of these imagined adventures are wonderfully playful—such as playing chess on the moon—making the exercises feel more like games than lessons.
These techniques can do more than provide momentary comfort. Breathing deeply, redirecting anxious thoughts, and using positive visualization are emotional-regulation tools that children can continue using throughout their lives.
I would recommend reading this book repeatedly before a separation occurs. That gives children an opportunity to practice its mindfulness exercises while they feel safe and become comfortable with the idea that love does not go away when a person does. A loved one can remain with you in your heart and mind, even when they cannot be beside you.
This would pair beautifully with comforting classics such as The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn or Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. Together, these books can help children understand that separation is sometimes a healthy part of growing, and that the love waiting for them remains infinite.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
For children beginning preschool, daycare, or any experience away from a trusted caregiver, separation can feel frightening. Until then, a parent or other loved one may have been a constant presence in their lives. When I Am Not with You offers gentle reassurance that distance does not diminish love: Even when caregivers and children are apart, they remain connected through their thoughts, memories, and hearts.
Asa Gilland’s delightful illustrations depict children with a variety of caregivers while complementing the book’s calming suggestions. Children are encouraged to take deep breaths, think about their loved one, or imagine enjoying a favorite activity together. Some of these imagined adventures are wonderfully playful—such as playing chess on the moon—making the exercises feel more like games than lessons.
These techniques can do more than provide momentary comfort. Breathing deeply, redirecting anxious thoughts, and using positive visualization are emotional-regulation tools that children can continue using throughout their lives.
I would recommend reading this book repeatedly before a separation occurs. That gives children an opportunity to practice its mindfulness exercises while they feel safe and become comfortable with the idea that love does not go away when a person does. A loved one can remain with you in your heart and mind, even when they cannot be beside you.
This would pair beautifully with comforting classics such as The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn or Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. Together, these books can help children understand that separation is sometimes a healthy part of growing, and that the love waiting for them remains infinite.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars, rounded up.
This charming picture book is great for helping kids cope with separation anxiety. The rhyming text reassures children of their parents' love, and it models how you can use your imagination to feel close to someone. The cute illustrations show animal parent-and-child pairs thinking of each other even when they're apart, and the kids imagine fun times with the parent.
Although this book is from a Christian publisher, it does not have any faith-related content. The focus is solely on the parent-child relationship, without any message about God's presence or love. The book is intended for all audiences.
This can be helpful for preparing kids for school, and it also applies to scenarios where families experience separation due to work requirements, military deployment, or incarceration. This book is great for parents who want to reassure their child of their love, and who want them to feel secure in the relationship itself, rather than parents' physical presence.
I received a temporary digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This charming picture book is great for helping kids cope with separation anxiety. The rhyming text reassures children of their parents' love, and it models how you can use your imagination to feel close to someone. The cute illustrations show animal parent-and-child pairs thinking of each other even when they're apart, and the kids imagine fun times with the parent.
Although this book is from a Christian publisher, it does not have any faith-related content. The focus is solely on the parent-child relationship, without any message about God's presence or love. The book is intended for all audiences.
This can be helpful for preparing kids for school, and it also applies to scenarios where families experience separation due to work requirements, military deployment, or incarceration. This book is great for parents who want to reassure their child of their love, and who want them to feel secure in the relationship itself, rather than parents' physical presence.
I received a temporary digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was almost a year long journey for me, especially since I received it right around the start of my kids’ school year and life got busy fast. Nonetheless, it was such a sweet read. My kids stayed interested in the story, and the illustrations were a wonderful addition that really helped bring the words to life and keep them engaged. When I Am Not with You is a beautiful reminder for children that even when the people they love are not physically with them, that love is still there. It made for a meaningful read with my kids, and I’m glad we finally got to enjoy it together. -A little suggestion for the mamas reading this to their babies for the first time take your time with it. Point out the pictures, talk about the people your little one loves, and use it as a chance to remind them that even when Mommy isn’t right beside them, they are always loved and thought about. This would be an especially sweet book to read around the start of daycare, preschool, or a new school year when those little separations can feel extra big. 🥹❤️
July 23, 2026
Grab the tissues!
“When I Am Not with You” is a beautiful reminder that even when we're apart, we're never far from the people we love. The gentle rhyming text and dreamy illustrations come together to create a story that's comforting, reassuring, and full of heart.
It gave me “Love You Forever” vibes, emotional in the best way without feeling overdone. I can easily see parents reading this at bedtime, before the first day of school, before a trip, or anytime a child needs a reminder that love stays with them wherever they go.
This one definitely tugged at my heartstrings, and I think it will become a treasured addition to many family bookshelves.
I received a complimentary advance review copy of this book via NetGalley; thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Wright Olsen, and Zonderkidz-Books.
Pub Date: September 22, 2026
“When I Am Not with You” is a beautiful reminder that even when we're apart, we're never far from the people we love. The gentle rhyming text and dreamy illustrations come together to create a story that's comforting, reassuring, and full of heart.
It gave me “Love You Forever” vibes, emotional in the best way without feeling overdone. I can easily see parents reading this at bedtime, before the first day of school, before a trip, or anytime a child needs a reminder that love stays with them wherever they go.
This one definitely tugged at my heartstrings, and I think it will become a treasured addition to many family bookshelves.
I received a complimentary advance review copy of this book via NetGalley; thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Wright Olsen, and Zonderkidz-Books.
Pub Date: September 22, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I Am Not With You is a children's book about what to do when you miss someone, told in rhyme. I really liked that it gave 2 options that could easily be put into practice: thinking about a happy memory with the person and how to do relaxation breathing. My kids enjoyed how many of the animal characters wear glasses, like they do. The illustrations are colorful and sweet. This would be a great story for kiddos heading to school or daycare, who need a reminder of what to do if they miss their grown ups.
Thanks to Zonderkidz-Books and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Zonderkidz-Books and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was so sweet and encouraging! It is especially perfect for an anxious child who may be starting something new (like school!). It’s wonderful for a range of children, I’d say anywhere from infant to upper elementary. The illustrations are BEAUTIFUL and immersive, with such vivid colors. Each picture told its own story. I will absolutely buy a physical copy when it is released. Thank you Netgalley and publisher for early access!
September 24, 2026
Really cute illustrations and a great message. I'm not a fan of rhyming books in general because they so rarely work. Sometimes the cadence is all wrong, and sometimes the text is nonsensical because the story was forced into a rhythm. The cadence in this book is good. But the phraseology is struggling. A lot of it simply doesn't make sense, or it does, but the wording is abnormal, which makes it a little harder for kids to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I LOVED this book and the sentiment behind it! Literally made me emotional thinking about reading this to my baby. I really enjoyed the bright and detailed illustration throughout and seeing the different animals. It was really sweet and definitely eye catching. I could see this being helpful for children struggling with separation anxiety and needing affirmation. Would 100% recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A sweet picture book filled with lots of cute animal families that reminds children that they’re never alone. The illustrations are bright, stylish and beautiful, perfect for holding a kids attention.
A great book to read to anxious kids going back to school or especially those just starting school. Just a lovely book to remind kids you’re always with them.
A great book to read to anxious kids going back to school or especially those just starting school. Just a lovely book to remind kids you’re always with them.
September 25, 2026
I received an advance copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
This was a sweet story. Even though the images gave me the impression this story was about grandparents and grandchildren, I especially loved that no pronouns were ever used so the child can imagine any person they love but are far away from.
This was a sweet story. Even though the images gave me the impression this story was about grandparents and grandchildren, I especially loved that no pronouns were ever used so the child can imagine any person they love but are far away from.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love this sweet children's book! The artwork is endearing and beautiful, and the message is positive and full of love. I also really enjoyed the rhythm of the writing being in verse. This is a must-buy for me, and I will be recommending it to everyone!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews