Love You From Right Here: A Keepsake Book for Children in Foster Care

by Jamie Sandefer, Pamela Goodman (Illustrator)

-This sweet little book is the very one I wish I had when children came and especially when they left. It provides a concrete way to hold an important piece of our shared history. Every person caring for our vulnerable children will want multiple copies.-

-Kathy Harrison, author of Another Place at the Table and One Small Boat

Love You From Right Here takes you through an abbreviated look at the emotions a young foster child experiences throughout her transition in a new foster home. It also serves as a keepsake book with a journaling section providing the foster family an opportunity to give the child a piece of their history when they leave.

Genres: Fostering, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2017

About the author

Jamie Sandefer is a stay-at-home mom and foster mom. She is passionate about advocating for children in foster care. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and going to the beach. She and her family are avid Baylor Bears fans. Sic ‘Em Bears! She resides in Texas with her husband and children. Visit her at www.jamiesandefer.com

Reviews

[Anna LeBaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book from the time I heard about it, before I ever saw a single illustration. Seeing the Advance Reader Copy provided by the publisher just now, I'm over the moon about it.

My eyes welled up with tears at the illustrations and the tender words. My heart grew larger and more willing to do what I can.

The need for this book as a resource for foster parents and the children in their care is so great. Even if you are not a foster parent, please buy this book for those who are. Buy 1o or 50 or 100, as many as you can, and get them into the hands of the ones who are standing in the gap for the children.

[Ticcoa Leister · Rating 5 out of 5]

To write a children's book that so perfectly and succinctly navigates the complexities of foster care (for both foster parent and foster child) is no small feat. Jamie Sandefer has accomplished exactly this in Love You From Right Here.

This book is sure to fill a much-needed gap in resources provided to and for foster families and will be treasured by the children who receive it. This sweet book grabbed me by the heart from the moment I first heard about it and continues to draw me into a state of wanting to do whatever I can to get it in the hands of those who need it most. Well done!

I received an Advance PDF copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sidnie Srader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this book. This is a wonderful depiction of the transition many children go through while in the foster system. When you read this book you will take a journey with this little girl. In the beginning you meet a sad, scared, nervous child. By the end she has blossomed into a happy, brave little girl who is ready to embrace her next adventure. Through simple elegant text, and illustrations that tell a moving story, you will fall in love with this book! My favorite feature is at the end, where the author has left a few pages for foster parents to use as a journal for the children in their lives. This would make a wonderful gift whether you are a foster parent, or have foster parents in your life. I give this book five stars, and I hope that you will find the same joy reading this that I did. Happy reading!

[Rosemary Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! This book is beyond precious and perfect. It's touches on details yet so simple for children to understand and feel like someone "gets them". I have not seen anything like this geared specifically towards foster children. There's even spaces in the back to write and share pictures of a child, making them feel special. Anyone who has anything to do with foster care NEEDS this book... Maybe several copies.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a special book. I'm so happy it will be available to foster parents and I'm even more happy for the kids who will be receiving it.

I received a PDF copy of the book from the publisher for review.

[Kristin Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy, but I had to wait to review it because it made me so emotional. What a beautiful book and keepsake for foster children. I truly could not recommend it more. The end is powerful, and what a beautiful way to document parts of their lives that they may never remember.

[Rebecca LaCount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a children's book could evoke such strong emotions? The highs and lows a child in foster care may go through is beautifully portrayed in this stunningly illustrated book. My parents were foster parents all of my life. Some of the children had no pictures, no baby books, no remembrance reminders of when they were small. What really grabbed me was the tail end of this sweet book. A place to put a picture, write memories and milestones. This is more than a great storyline, it's a treasure to a hurting little boy or girl. I received an ARC for my honest review...it was honestly an amazing children's book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a precious book and needed resource in the foster care community! I wish I could buy a copy (or several) for every foster family I know. This sweet story and keepsake book will be a treasure for many children living through the difficult transitions of foster care.

*I was provided with an advance reader PDF copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

[Maribeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sander's book is heartfelt and well-written. It covers the multitude of emotions that children in foster care feel during placement. The book assures the child that they are loved and cared for with each passing emotion. At the end of the book there are additional pages for the foster parents to document the placement making this book a beautiful keepsake. Well-done!

***I was given an advanced PDF copy for my honest review.

[Courtney Birkbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love You From Right Here is an amazing book. I loved it from the moment I saw it! We hope to foster someday and this book spoke to all the right places in my heart, reminding me of the very reason we want to foster.

Children come into the foster system, hurt, tired, broke and scared. This book is a great reminder to just love them right where they're at.

The illustrations are beautiful, well thought out. The colors are vibrant and I believe that each and every foster parent would be blessed to own this book.

The ending pages touched me, with the place to write about the foster child, put a picture and write some notes. I believe foster children will value that.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a foster mom, I'm always looking for resources for the kiddos that come into our home. I couldn't be more thrilled to have found this book. It is simple, but thoughtfully written. It says all the things that I want our littles to be reassured of when they come into our home. I plan to have multiple copies on hand to give to the children that we welcome into our family. The keepsake portion at the end of the book is a lovely touch and will make for a touching keepsake when the children leave our home. I truly can't say enough good about this book. The best of it's kind that I have come across.

*I received an advance PDF copy of this book for my honest review

[Jennifer Willerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet book written especially for foster families is truly a treasure. I read it to my four-year-old, and he sighed and said, "that makes me happy." That's exactly what this book does, bring sigh-worthy happy. A loving reminder that foster families show love, even sometimes from afar. The illustrations in this book are simply beautiful, and I cannot recommend this book enough.

I received a copy of this book from Lucid Books in exchange for my honest review.

[Amy Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply beautiful. What a wonderfully caring and generous heart it takes to be a foster parent. This book is sure to be an instrument for healing and peace in the lives of many children. Parents, teachers, counselors, social workers and advocates need this book.

I am honored to have been able to read an advance copy, provided by the publisher, in return for my honest review.

[Teresa Carruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful keepsake for foster children! I can only imagine how they must feel entering a strange home for the first time. This book captures your heart and the illustrations are perfect for small children. This is a must have in every foster home!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh goodness! Sandefer captures the mix of emotions our foster children go through during a placement in this precious book. The words are simple, yet poignant and powerful. They brought me to tears. As a new foster momma, I am so thankful that a book like this one is available as a wonderful resource for foster homes. This book is the perfect tool to use to help young foster children understand their changing and challenging emotions and the fact that the are loved and supported "right here" no matter what they are feeling at the moment. The illustrations are warm and inviting. The last section even includes an area to document some of their time in their foster home. It becomes a keepsake- a way for these precious children to remember their story and the fact that they are celebrated. It is a MUST BUY for each placement that comes into your home!

**I was given an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. And, honestly, I will be purchasing many copies!**

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also just got to read a new book from Jamie Sandefer called Love You From Right Here. This sweet, short book has two purposes. First, it gives you an avenue by which you can talk with children about feelings and that fact that while they are in your home, you will be there.

Second, Love You From Right Here is a sweet little keepsake book. There is space in the back for you to share some highlight moments of the child's stay in your home. It will serve as a memory and something to hold on to.

Written by a foster mom, this book addresses the basic needs of a child. It reminds them that they can find love, safety, help when hurt, encouragement, and more from their foster parent.

I'm constantly reminded that often a book will help open up doors that just sitting and talking about a child will not. Sometimes a book acts as a catalyst to open up a difficult conversation. Reading aloud can help connect a foster child to foster parent.

This short little book will certainly help open the door to begin talking about emotions. It will help that initial transition into your home. As you read this book to the new child in your home, it will help them understand that you are pledging to be there for them.

To remind the child that they will find support in this home. And to remind them that they are loved. I love the space in the back of the book to share highlights about things they loved, and to remember special moments you shared together.


I received a copy of this book from the author and Lucid Books. This review is my own, honest opinion.

[Mandy Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of the book, and it completely melted my heart. I started my journey as a foster parent last year and have already gotten to experience the beauty and pain of this incredible adventure. This book explains exactly what I've felt. I plan to have a copy of this book for each precious child who stays in my home. It's simple yet incredibly profound and in my humble opinion, the perfect book for any child (foster care or not). I love it!!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect book for anyone who works with children...even your own. It helps children to identify feelings and provides an excellent starting point for conversation. I especially like the keepsake portion at the end. It gives foster children something tangible to hold on to during their journey. This is a much-needed resource!

I was provided an advance PDF copy for my honest review.

[Ashlie Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so precious and priceless. Such a heartwarming story to help children in foster care navigate their feelings and emotions. It is perfect that there is space for them to journal and tell their own story as they are experiencing it.

[Amy Marlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful idea and perfect little book. My heart was caught just from reading the title, as it applies on so many different levels - loving the child where he or she is emotionally, from the moment they enter your life, and even after they leave your home. The love never goes away. I love that this allows children and foster parents to capture important milestones and memories from the time they spend together.

I received an advance PDF copy of this book for my honest review.

[Rachel Cook Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be powerful for any young foster kids entering a new home.
Knowing that they can see, through pictures and words, that someone is in their corner, no matter how long they may stay, is powerful.
The last page gets me every time I read it. A foster parent always keeps cheering on their kiddos, no matter if they stay or leave.
Gorgeous illustrations and so easy to understand for young ones who need that extra reassurance.

[Carolyn Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful way to help a foster child navigate the emotions of arriving at and leaving a foster home! This simple yet profound book affirms a foster child, lets her now she is loved and accepted, and helps her to feel that this foster home is a safe place. If she leaves, she can take it with her and memories of her time in that home can be written n so she can always look back and remember that time. I love this and hope there's a way for every agency to start giving this book to foster parents with each new foster child in their home. I read an Advanced Reader's Copy in return for my honest review.

[Amanda Hutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet and a such a perfect gift for kiddos in foster care. I will be doing everything I can to get it into the hands of my local agencies!

*I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Sandefer has taken a tough subject and made it safe. My heart loves children and I have always thought being a foster mom would be a task I could never undertake...because of the goodbyes. With lovely illustrations and soft words, Ms. Sandefer has beautifully described the role of a foster mom. A place of security and love, enabling an easy transition to "the next place", as a piece of her heart walks out the door with each child, empowering them with love and strength. Every backpack that is given to a foster child needs to include this book. And every prospective foster parent would do well to read it. Bravo, Ms. Sandefer...you knocked it out of the ballpark!.

[Stephanie Baskin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a social worker and foster/adoptive mom I was very excited to be part of the launch team for this book. I received an early copy in return for my honest opinion.

I loved the message and the comforting way she takes on such a hard topic for little ines. The emotions are big for most kids in care and she captured the love foster parents try to show everyday and meeting them where they are so beautifully. I also love in the back where she puts places for you to journal the little ones time while they are with you. What special memories for them to take with them.

I only give it 4 starts because I wish the pictures were more diverse. The foster care world is very diverse in race and culture of both the kiddos and foster parents and this is not reflected in the illustrations. This however will not stop me from purchasing it for our use and to recommended it to fellow foster parents.

[Amber Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect children’s book for foster care. Its main message is that a foster parent’s love doesn’t end when the foster child leaves. The words in this book will minister to the heart of these children who wonder if they are truly loved, cherished, and remembered by the caregivers in their life. It also provides a positive view of foster care and preserves the child’s history through the keepsake portion at the end. I could not recommend this book more highly.

[Holly Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a friend who fostered three boys over a year ago and she still talks about those boys and how much she loves them. This book would have been perfect for her. It would be a great book to gift to friends who are fostering.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love You From Right Here is a keepsake book that begins with a look at the emotions that a foster child may experience and the encouragement that their foster family will be ready to show them love and support when they are ready to receive it. The last few pages include space to attach pictures and write in memories of their time in a given placement. This book is a realistic look at the feelings that a child may experience while in care, written in a way that will resonate with children. While some of those feelings are negative, it affirms them and lets the child know that their caregiver is there for them. I like that it gives the children control of accepting the support the family has to offer, given that control is something they are lacking in their day-to-day lives as a foster child. I also like the illustrations and the fact that there is a diverse representation of children and foster parents.

I think it is a sweet idea to provide the child with memories from their time with a foster family. My only hesitation is whether a child will want to remember their time in care, especially if they are reunited wit their bio family. Even a positive foster care experience is still a time when they were separated from their family, and could be emotionally difficult. I also wonder how a bio family would feel if their child brought this home upon reunification. I see this more as a gift for long-term placements versus a short stay. It could also be a nice option for foster families to use for themselves, to remember the children they have cared for.

I received an advance reader copy of this book.

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming book addresses the "in between" of foster care placements and the foster families that love them. It is narrated from the foster family's viewpoint, explaining to the child that they will "love them from right here," whether that be from the first moment they arrive in a foster placement or when the child is nervous, angry, sad or glad.

The unconditional love and support of the foster family is a theme through this adorable read, suitable for any child, girl or boy, who is experiencing foster care. I loved the colorful illustrations and the connection of the same type of giraffe toy each foster child had as a snuggle buddy.

The emotions of foster care are complex, and "Love You From Right Here" is a simple, easy way to convey those deep feelings felt by both the foster child and the caregiver. There's also a spot in the back of the book where caregivers can notate moments for the child while they are fostered. It's a great keepsake for the child in the years ahead, no matter if their placement changes. I can't wait to share this book with my friends who foster.

I was an early reader, thanks to Lucid Books. All opinions are my own and I chose to review.

[Ashley Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a precious book! It is meant to be given as a keepsake for foster kids. It affirms your love for them no matter how they feel or where they go. While they are in the home you can read it together and it is something for them to hold onto if they leave your home. Absolutely love this.