When I Remember, by Laura Linn Knight, with vibrant illustrations by Juan Pablo Cáceres, is a gentle, beautifully crafted exploration of grief and healing. This thoughtful work seamlessly blends childlike wonder with adult realities, offering readers a path to process loss through poetic language, practical tools, and evocative visuals. Through both prose and poetry, Knight provides five proven strategies for navigating grief: somatic body awareness, building a support network, journaling, mindfulness, and playful self-care. These tools are presented with sensitivity and clarity, creating an accessible framework for anyone seeking solace and strength in difficult times.

Knight’s writing feels timeless, echoing the comforting cadence of childhood stories while addressing the weight of complex adult emotions. Rhymes and rhythms lighten the depth of the themes, offering a soothing balm to heavy hearts.

Juan Pablo Cáceres’ illustrations bring the narrative to life, immersing readers in a world of storybook magic. From start to finish, his art adds a layer of visual storytelling that enhances the book’s atmosphere, pulling readers into a space where healing feels possible and imagination becomes a refuge.

Knight’s expertise shines through her compassionate approach. With a background in psychology, she explains grief and its challenges in a way that feels both informed and deeply personal. While the book focuses on the loss of a loved one, its tools extend far beyond that context. Grief takes many forms, whether it’s mourning a relationship, a lost dream, or life not unfolding as expected. Knight captures its long, nonlinear nature—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. While reading, I reflected on a personal experience of rejection—being denied admission to a university I desperately hoped to attend. At the time, the grief was overwhelming, a complex process of self-doubt and disappointment. Knight’s insights resonated deeply, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this book might have offered comfort and clarity during that difficult chapter of my life.

When I Remember is a book that doesn’t ask much of its reader, yet gives so much in return. Its simplicity is its strength—accessible, heartfelt, and impactful. Whether you’re actively grieving, healing, or simply yearning for the nostalgic magic of a storybook, this book will meet you where you are. If I have one regret, it’s reading this book throughout the day instead of saving it for bedtime. The gentle tone and rhythmic prose make it the perfect nighttime companion, one that soothes the soul before sleep. I eagerly await more of Laura Linn Knight’s work and would recommend this book to anyone seeking comfort, understanding, or a reminder that healing can coexist with hope.

Pages: 71 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DC9S9PZ9