“A kid-centered consideration of what happens to those left behind after a loved one dies. In this picture book, Namm tackles the difficult subject of death by addressing the question: ‘What happens after someone you love dies?’ With sights firmly set on the living, the author methodically moves through all of the ways in which those left behind move through grief…Jäger’s illustrations are colorful without being loud and portray characters with a variety of skin colors…Namm gives readers permission to process their feelings about it on their own timetable.

The book’s simplicity and emotional honesty will appeal to kids and adults alike as Namm strips the end of life down to its basics…and reassures readers that it will all be OK. A Simple, emotionally effective exploration of loss.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“In this touching picture book, Namm (author of Easy Reader Classics such as Rikki-Tikki-Tavi Moves In) asks the poignant question: ‘What happens after someone you love dies?’ From there, simple but powerful prose illustrates how grief is a living, breathing presence in the lives of those left behind. Four separate families navigate the heartbreak of losing a grandfather, mother, child, and beloved pet, struggling to carry on with life even as they contend with deep sorrow and the absence of their loved ones.

Laura Jäger’s bright, full-bodied illustrations offer an ideal counterbalance to the book’s weighty themes. She cleverly symbolizes loss by depicting blurred-out portraits of the deceased and later shows family members gradually adapting—remembering treasured moments, sharing stories, and creating new traditions. Namm gently emphasizes that grief is deeply personal and that there is no ‘wrong’ way to mourn. Some families celebrate birthdays, cook favorite meals, or honor loved ones through everyday rituals, doing ‘the things we would have done together if we’d had more time.’

Lines like that tug at the heartstrings, and readers of all ages will connect with Namm’s intuitive understanding of grief. Though the families move forward, their loved ones remain present—in memories, in joyful new beginnings (like the arrival of a puppy), and in the simple act of growing up without a sibling. Namm’s positive, affirming message—encouraging readers to ‘look for signs in our world to remember our loved one by’—offers both inspiration and comfort. No matter how profound the loss, this tender story reminds us that we can still ‘hold them in our hearts. Forever. And always.’”

Takeaway: A gentle, hopeful portrayal of grief and remembrance for young readers.

– Booklife Reviews, Editor’s Pick