One day in late January, I was in my local bookstore. I wandered over to the children's section, as I often do, to see what book would capture my eye...but instead, I found one that captured by heart. I picked up the book, read it cover to cover, knew I had found the book for my next post, and I knew that today would be the day I'd share it.
Those who read this blog on a regular basis, may remember that I have a
very special bond with my niece (now 5) and my nephew (now 2). You see, today, would have been their Mommy's
birthday. And as I stood in the book store that day reading this story, tears flowing rather freely, I felt like this story was sent from heaven just for my family. It reads like a letter from my sister-in-law to her children.
"And if someday you’re lonely,
or someday you’re sad,
or you strike out at baseball,
or think you’ve been bad...
just lift up your face, feel the wind in your hair.
That’s me, my sweet baby, my love is right there.
In the green of the grass... in the smell of
the sea... in the clouds floating by...
at the top of a tree... in the sound
crickets make at the end of the day...
“You are loved. You are loved. You are
loved..."
It's a wonderfully sweet story that any Mom, Dad, Grandparent or Loved One can read to the little ones in their lives to remind them of all the people who love them - those that are here on Earth and those that are not.
Missy and her brother Mack go crabbing with their Grandpa. The rhythmic text and collage illustrations are likely to warm your heart. Many of us who grew up on the East Coast have many fond memories of the sights, smells, and sounds of crab season. Tweet me @LiteracyCounts to win a copy. 
