The Memory Box: A Book About Grief

“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

“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

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.

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 synchronized swimming or cozying up with a book. She is the author of The Memory Box: A Book about Grief, The Memory Book: A Grief Journal for Children and Families, and Stay Through the Storm.

Thea Baker grew up in a country town in England. She is currently living in Australia and working internationally as a children’s illustrator. Thea obtained her BA (Hons) Degree in illustration at the prestigious Falmouth University. Her dissertation was on the subject of grief in children’s books.