The Memory Box

"I'm scared I'll forget you..."

From the perspective of a young child, Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it is like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died. The child in the story creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of the loved one, to help in the grieving process. Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box will help children and adults talk about this very difficult topic together. The unique point of view allows the reader to imagine the loss of any they have loved - a friend, family member, or even a pet. A parent guide in the back includes expert information from a Christian perspective on helping children manage the complex and difficult emotions they feel when they lose someone they love, as well as suggestions on how to create their own memory box.

Joanna Rowland grew up in Sacramento, California where she still lives today with her husband and three children. She teaches Kindergarten by day and writes picture books at night. In the summer you'll find her at the pool coaching synchronizing swimming or cozying up with a book.

"A small children's book can't say everything, but it can say something very important. This wonderfully illustrated book does just that. Joanna Rowland gently reminds a hurting child that amid the pain of losing a loved one to death, their love remains alive in memory and relationships, and that love is not diminished even as the child is called to go on living. Many young (and old!) hearts will find real comfort and courage in these pages." --Kelly M. Kapic, author of Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering

"When a loved one dies, children need consolation, love, support, and affection. The Memory Box addresses this difficult subject sensitively. This beautiful book will help start the grieving process and support children to talk about their loved on in a normal,healthy way." --Sue Atkins, author of Parenting Made Easy: How to Raise Happy Children

"Baker's mixed-media collages integrate bits of fabric and softly textured papers, creating a homey atmosphere that dovetails nicely with the girl's homemade box." --Publishers Weekly

"Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box is beautifully illustrated by Thea Baker and will help adults talk about this very difficult topic with children ages 4 to 8." --Midwest Book Review, Psychology Shelf

The Memory Box is a 2017 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards winner-a contest intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children's books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading.