You Are Always Loved: A Story of Hope

by Madeleine Dean, Harry Cunnane, Holly Clifton-Brown (Illustrator)

This deeply felt picture book from Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and her son Harry--authors of the memoir Under Our Roof --reassures children that, even when the grown-ups in their life are absent, they are loved and enough as they are.

When you can't stop the lightning or calm the crashing thunder,
you can look inside your heart,
where there's hope.

An evergreen message about hope and unconditional love is told through the story of a bunny separated from its parent during a rainstorm and all the forest friends who come together to offer help. This lyrical book will touch children who have experienced deep loneliness or isolation, and is crafted especially for those who know the unique heartache of witnessing a family member suffer from addiction.

This book is a child's companion to the authors' memoir, Under Our Roof , a story of opioid addiction and recovery. You Are Always Loved reinforces the message that it's never the child's fault and they are loved no matter what.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Family, Love, Grief, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 16, 2021

About the author

Madeleine Dean Cunnane is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district. The district includes almost all of Montgomery County, a suburban county north of Philadelphia.

Reviews

[Barbara]

Softly-painted illustrations created with gouache and digital collage complement a simple but heartfelt story that might provide hope for those who are facing challenging situations such as loss or abandonment. While it's much easier to feel loved when someone is surrounded by supportive loved ones, that isn't always the case when that person is all alone and the storms of life set in. In Bunny's situation, the little rabbit finds itself all by itself in the woods while bad weather arrives. For some reason, Bunny's mother is nowhere to be found, and the rabbit finds shelter with other animals and strength in hope that things will get better in the future. As the text and images make clear, even those we love may come and go from our lives, but there is always someone on whom we can rely as well as our own inner strength. The story gains added resonance from the letter from the authors, a mother and son team who share a bit about their family's struggles with addiction, the inspiration for this particular story. Young readers are sure to be touched by the story itself since almost everyone has something that he/she/they fear, even when it's hard to put a name to it, but reading between the lines and thinking about what this family has been through brings the story even closer to their hearts.

[Zan Porter]

An evergreen message about hope and unconditional love is told through the story of a bunny separated from its parent during a rainstorm and all the forest friends who come together to offer help. This lyrical book will touch children who have experienced deep loneliness or isolation, and is crafted especially for those who know the unique heartache of witnessing a family member suffer from addiction. You Are Always Loved reinforces the message that it's never the child's fault and they are loved no matter what."--adapted from Amazon.com.

[Charlotte Offsay]

Bunny is left behind in a storm and is comforted and helped to find hope by some animal friends. This heartwarming and adorably illustrated new picture book reassures children that even when their loved ones can’t be with them, it isn’t their fault, hope and comfort can still be found and they are always loved. An author’s note talks about the effect of addiction on families and their hopes that this book will be used to open doors to important and difficult conversations.

[A.]

Written to offer a relatable and affirming storyline for kids whose families are experiencing addiction. Using animals for this pushes it a little on the cheesy side for me, but maybe it would be good in the right situation?

[Kathleen Rak]

A very beautiful and touching picture book about hope during hardship. So many good pages!

[Michele Knott]

A beautiful book about hope and love for a child from their parent.
Don't miss the authors' note at the end of the book that really puts this story into a new perspective.

[Jaime]

Everyone needs to hear these words. So sweet.

[Pinky]

Even when bunny mom is gone, little bunny know that her love is all around.

[Jessica Kulekjian]

A celebration of unconditional love! This one belongs on every shelf and in hands and hearts everywhere. Such sweet writing and adorable pictures!

[Aleksander]

I rarely read picture books, but this nearly brought me to tears. Such a sweet book with a great message, and remarkably cute illustrations

[Sarah]

Beautiful illustrations, and such a sweet and hopeful message.

[Nanny B]

Sweet story and beautiful illustrations.

[David Salazar]

Great Book

Love the meaning of this book! Need more books like this for our children. Glad I found this gem. Highly recommended.