A gentle picture book in verse for ages 4 to 8 about grief. Told by a mother who has passed away, it reassures children that love endures and that they are never alone.
On the shelf at Indigo Pointe-Claire
When grief feels overwhelming, You Know I'm Here reminds children that love endures beyond death, and that they are never alone. This moving poem, written from the perspective of a mother who has passed away, offers children a gentle, honest way to understand grief and death.
You Know I'm Here began as a poem read aloud each summer at the Myra's Kids Foundation grief camp, during the lantern ceremony, when children release glowing lanterns onto the water for the people they have lost.
Whether read in quiet remembrance or shared between a caregiver and child, it reassures children that their loved ones remain present in memories, in moments of joy and in the quiet spaces between heartbeats. All proceeds support Myra's Kids Foundation.
This story deals with grief in a very understandable and easily digestible way for kids. It shows that someone can still be with you in [your] heart even if they can't physically be here. This is an important subject to cover and this book does a great job. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful as well.
Aleisha G.Librarian, Alpha Park Public Library · NetGalley review
As both a mother to two young children and a professional who works closely with kids, this book touched me deeply. It brought tears to my eyes, but also left me feeling hopeful. … At the end, there's a thoughtfully crafted guide for caregivers to help navigate conversations with children about death and loss. It's a resource I believe will be invaluable both for families and professionals working with grieving children.
Whitney K.Mother and professional who works with children · NetGalley review
This book is worth gold to the right children. … To the child who lost a mother, it would be invaluable. Books like this need to exist even if they don't sell a lot. What an amazing resource!
Lindsey F.Educator, First Christian School · NetGalley review
This book is nothing short of magical. Yes, it's about a child navigating through grief and loss, but it also points to the beauty in everyday life while allowing the grief to co-exist. … I especially loved that the narrator of the book was the loved one that has passed on.
Amanrit U.NetGalley review
It's the kind of book that wraps young readers in a blanket of reassurance, reminding them that they are never truly alone. … A must-have for family libraries, classrooms and anyone who values stories that nurture both heart and spirit.
Ankit S.NetGalley review
This was absolutely precious. I read this with my 7 year old daughter and ended up crying. We have a lot of loss in our lives and this is a perfect book for us.
Nikki H.NetGalley review
copies sold in the first two months after publication
of proceeds support Myra's Kids Foundation's free grief programs and camps
Especially children who have lost a parent, though it speaks to any loss.
Words to share with a grieving child, in quiet remembrance or together.
A comforting read for conversations about death and loss.
Jon Reider is the founder of Myra's Kids Foundation, a Montreal nonprofit committed to ensuring no child grieves alone. Jon lost his own mother, Myra, when he was three years old.
That childhood loss, and the silence that so often surrounds grief, inspired him to create both the foundation and this book. Myra's Kids offers grieving children free year-round support programs and summer camps.
You Know I'm Here is a picture book for children ages 4 to 8.
It is a poem written from the perspective of a mother who has passed away, speaking to her child. It offers children a gentle, honest way to understand grief and death, and reassures them that love endures and they are never alone.
It was written for grieving children by Jon Reider, who lost his own mother when he was three, and it began as a poem read each summer at the Myra's Kids Foundation grief camp.
You Know I'm Here was written by Jon Reider, founder of Myra's Kids Foundation, and illustrated by Noa Ne'eman. It was published by Garden Wolf Publishing House in 2025.
Yes. The book ends with a guide for caregivers on talking with children about death and loss.
All proceeds support Myra's Kids Foundation, which offers grieving children free year-round support programs and summer camps.
In Canada, You Know I'm Here is available from Myra's Kids Foundation (hardcover) and Amazon.ca (paperback and Kindle). In the US, You Know I'm Here is available from Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle). In store, it is on the shelf at Indigo Pointe-Claire.
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