You'll Find Me

by Amanda Rawson Hill, Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Illustrator)

This lyrical heartful story provides consent and gently encourage readers to move to a place of peace and acceptance despite the absence.  

Loss becomes remembrance in this book that offers tender ways to pay tribute to, and meaningfully incorporate, a loved one’s lost presence into present and future life experiences. Be it departed friends, family, pets, and more, memories can carry us beyond the precious moments we have together to keep the ones we loved before in mind forever.

Throughout the book the omnipresent narrator encourages thoughtful reflection on the empty spaces left by the loss. The gentle scenes portrayed inspire recovery from sadness and honor those who are absent. 

Genres: Picture Books, Death, Grief, Family, Childrens, Love, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily THE BEST picture book on grieving/loss that I've read. The text doesn't overtly say that a loved one has died, simply implied that they might not always be around (so could also work for military parents, or grandparents that live far away from grandchildren, etc). The lyrical text describes small moments of how the loved one can be remembered: breeze in their hair, sunlight on the pillow, hugs and laughter and favorite traditions. I think I read this whole thing with a lump in my throat. That being said, it would probably be just as comforting to adults, teens, and older children (if not more) than the typical picture book demographic.

[Jennifer Matarese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will tug at your heartstrings. It makes the reader feel so much emotion with every page turn. The author does a wonderful job of describing how children, and really anyone, can think of loved ones they miss or have lost in a way that relates to them. The artwork is playful, while sensitive and heartfelt. It's a wonderful book that while delicately explaining that their loved one can't be with them physically, they are still present in their lives in another way.

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching children’s book about the essence of a person and their love remaining after they are physically gone from this world.

[Karen Hsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

How lovely are these words? How beautiful the illustrations? I cry every time I read this. It's such a soothing balm, a reminder of my dad. I know it'll help every reader who picks it up.

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you. Reading this book helped me with loss.

[Karen McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gentle story that so beautifully touches on the reality that "Life, like spring, is far too short", and "I will not always be...". I really appreciate the first person point of view and the love that radiates through each poetic line. This is a heartfelt book about grief, but it is also about joy and love and life. It is a book about loving and remembering and carrying those we have loved with us into each simple and spectacular moment. This is the perfect book for anyone, for death is indeed a part of living. #LitReviewCrew

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a “dead pet” book, this one focuses on absence. Young readers are encouraged to find memories in the little things of every day life, lovely sensory prompts to remember loved ones. Love the color palette.

[Lisa Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely pictures and simple sweet text conveys an important message of finding a loved one that has gone in the shared memories.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This puts a proper and easy way for the young readers to understand and realize what goes on when someone is no longer around. Using their imagination, they can remember the ones that are no longer around, small things that may seem minor can make a high difference when it comes to remembering memories of someone. This is defiantly a book I would read in my class in the future!

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add to a text set on grief & remembrance.

[Jess Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical mix of comfort and nostalgia, this book is excellent for families working through loss and grief.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

To lessen the sense of loss when one is absent, we often say we will be there in memory and remember the good times but we don't give specific examples of "How". This gentle book provides the everyday experiences to help a child know you are there.

[Ruth Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An age appropriate story of loss for children with reminders of loved ones after they are gone.

[Louise Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lovely book on how to deal with grief and finding comfort in things around you

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does life look like when a significant person in our life is no longer there? This is a beautiful book about remembering and finding how those we hold dear continue to be with us even when they're no longer physically present. "My love will always be. And as long as you look with more than just your eyes...you'll find me."

[mg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story to help little ones through the loss of an adult...one could presume parent/caregiver. While death is not specified, it's insinuated in one illustration where a candle is lit in the place of the person being at the dining table.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply sweet yet heart tugging....finding a lost loved one in the world and people around you after they are gone physically from this Earth.

[J.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book full of love. Perfect for young children who have lost or are separated from someone dear to them.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prepare to shed some tears when you read this little picture book. I may be gone, the book tells us, but you will always be able to find me in the little things you remember doing with me. I won't always be with you, the book says, but you will always have things in your life that will remind you of me.

Sweet comfort, with beautiful details and gentle illustrations.

[Jennie Littlefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! When I die this is what I would like read to family and friends.

[Tracy Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, beautiful picture book that is perfect for a kid who is missing a loved one who has passed or who has a sick loved one who may not be around for long. I don't think a kid NEEDS to be in one of those situations to appreciate this book, though. It's a good introduction to talk about grief and loss in a gentle, beautiful way. The book's ultimate message is that we never lose the ones we love but rather find them whenever we seek them out in our hearts.

[Rajani LaRocca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, lyrical book that can help kids (and adults!) dealing with the death of a loved one, or missing a someone they love (all too common right now). The text is spare and simple but conveys a beautiful depth of feeling, and the illustrations are sweet and vibrant.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for young children dealing with loss. It explains that a loved one will always be with them in the little things that make them remember. Very sweet.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lost my father too soon, I'm always interested in reading picture books that tackle grief, and this is easily among the best I've read. I started crying (in a good way) on the second spread. Amanda Rawson Hill's gently lyrical text lists many comforting ways to remember and celebrate someone we've lost but masterfully avoids feeling listy. It's also open-ended so that it applies to any type of loss (family member, friend, pet, neighbor, etc.) and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's gorgeous illustrations show a variety of kids. This is a beautiful SEL book for anyone (not just a kid) who's lost someone they care about.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book. My kids and I cried. We read it together the day a friend passed, and will reread it many times.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are grieving, and even if you are not, this lovely, lyrical book will tug hard at your heartstrings.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, poetic addition to collections on coping with death. Very simple and very sweet.

[Austyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cried my eyes out
10/10

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most beautiful children’s book on grief that I’ve come across. The illustrations match the cadence of the words’ rhythm, and I was enchanted by its peaceful message. No matter someone’s age when they first lose a loved one, no matter if they lose a pet or a grandparent or a caregiver, this book is appropriate. Read it together, even if the person is old enough to read it themselves; then use the book as inspiration to create your own list to keep for the memories.

[Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t recommend this enough. Absolutely just what my family needed. Love the book, the illustrations, and especially the message.