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by Amanda Davis (Author), Michelle Jing Chan (Illustrator)
Discover how a young girl gains healing and hope as she processes the loss of a loved one in this beautifully sensitive story.
Piper is feeling sad and empty after the loss of her mother. So when her father, who is struggling in his own way, gives her a telescope to console her, she's excited to explore the night sky. But she doesn't find stars or planets when she looks through her lens. Instead, she finds a constellation of memories, a treasured collection of big and small moments with her mother, which she hurries to draw before they fade from view. Night after night she sketches, until eventually, she finds herself in a room covered in memories, surrounded by reminders of her mother's love. This poignant book offers children a pathway to acknowledge and process their grief over the loss of a loved one. The author's spare and lyrical language provides the emotional depth the topic requires, while allowing parents and caregivers to use the book to begin deeper conversations with their young loved ones. Whether children choose to use art as their outlet or find another way, the message is clear: they can carry the memories of their loved ones with them. An ending Note to Parents features guidance from a licensed children's counselor about how to use the book and where to find additional resources. Written from a place of personal experience, this story strives to bring comfort to children hurting after loss.Author Biography
Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator. After losing her father at a young age, Amanda turned to art and writing as a way to cope and a way to tell her story. That experience inspired her to pursue to teaching, which in turn enabled her to encourage and empower her students to tell their own stories. She is the author of the award-winning 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag, and the recipient of the Ann Whitford Paul--Writer's Digest Most Promising Picture Book Manuscript Grant. Amanda was also named Massachusetts Secondary Art Educator of the Year. She is an active member of SCBWI, 12x12, The Writer's Loft, and National Art Education Association. When she's not busy creating, you can find Amanda sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of the Bay State. Amanda lives in the Boston area with her family and rescue pup, Cora. Michelle Jing Chan is a Chinese-American illustrator who grew up in Colorado and now lives in the Pacific Northwest. Ever since she could hold a pencil, she has been captivated by art as a way to bring the daydreams in her head to life. Michelle grew up with a deep love of folklore, fantasy, and fairytales and loves capturing ordinary moments through a lens of magic and wonder. Central to all of her work is a focus on diverse characters, rich stories, and empowering messages that she would have loved to read growing up. When not drawing, Michelle can be found attempting TikTok recipes, playing flute or piano, curling up with a new book, or binge-watching spooky TV shows.
