Angel Winks
See the Signs. Feel the Magic.
by Christine Shanahan
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Pub Date Sep 30 2025 | Archive Date Mar 15 2026
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Description
Angel Winks is a gentle picture book that helps children navigate grief by finding comfort in small signs—a butterfly, a rainbow, a dream—that remind them their loved one’s spirit is always near.
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This tender, comforting story gently guides children through the difficult emotions of losing a loved one, while showing them how to find peace in remembrance. With lyrical text and soft imagery, it reassures young readers that even though someone may no longer be physically present, their spirit lives on through symbolic signs—an angel’s wink from above. Could it be a rainbow painted in the sky? A song on the radio? Or a butterfly fluttering past?
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Perfect for families and for children yearning for more reassurance and connection, Angel Winks offers the same heart and hope found in beloved titles like The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup, and The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr. This gentle story reminds children that the bond with their loved one remains unbroken, offering comfort and solace exactly when it’s needed most.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"Angel Winks is a heartfelt, magical gift for children and adults alike. Christine Shanahan beautifully reminds us that our connection to those we’ve lost never fades — it simply transforms. Through tender rhymes and meaningful signs, this book opens the hearts of young readers (and their grown-ups) to the comforting presence of loved ones on the Other Side. It’s a gentle guide that shows us how to ask for and recognize the divine signs that are always around us — especially in the moments we need them most. Paired with stunning illustrations, it becomes a keepsake of comfort and love — one that families will turn to again and again."
— MaryAnn DiMarco, spiritual teacher, motivational speaker, psychic medium and author of The Guide(s) Book, Medium Mentor, and Believe, Ask, Act
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"Angel Winks is the perfect answer to “how can I speak to my child about loss?” The gorgeous pictures and sweet rhymes open up the most thoughtful conversation and ideas around how to deal with grief. I wish a book like this was around when I was a kid. Can’t wait to read what’s next from Christine and Lucy with my kids."
Jessica H. Mother of 3
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"Angel Winks is truly “virtuous”. Addressing life’s challenges with tender words and warm illustrations creates a mindset for helping children, and adults, to face uncertainty with a confidence that fosters a resilience that is so critical for strength of character, peace of mind and the “courage” to live a joyful life."
Mike B. Grandfather of 10
Marketing Plan
Angel Winks launches September 30, 2025, with a party, giveaways, and buzz across Meta, Amazon, and BookBub. Parenting bloggers, reviewers, and bookish influencers are already on board, plus a glowing Kirkus Indie Review. Early readers are spreading the word and more blurbs are coming soon! With contests, email exclusives and social fun leading into the holidays, this heartwarming children’s story is set to shine.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781966056003 |
| PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 36 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 9 members
Featured Reviews
I loved this book! Very vibrant illustrations, and I loved how there was space to put a picture of a loved one. Such a nice touch. I love books that promote finding magic and meaning in everyday things. I'd recommend this to parents, teachers and librarians for kids.
I really enjoyed this book and feel it would be a welcome addition to anyone’s home library. I struggle finding children’s books that discuss heaven or the after life without a religious angle but this checked the box. Will definitely recommend to others!
This book is absolutely STUNNING!!! The illustrations are beautiful and the story is so sweet. Try not to cry. This book is excellent for teaching an encouraging children (and adults) about death and love. Our loved ones never really leave us. They send us signs and will always love us even after they leave he earth. And it shows kids how to recognize those signs sent by our loved ones. I loved this book! This will be a must have to children AND adults experiencing a loss.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for a review. My 5 year old daughter wanted to read this one and I was hesitant because we aren’t a religious family. But the message was lovely without being overly religious and the illustrations were even more beautiful. I would definitely purchase it and read it again if we lost a loved one.
Sarah H, Reviewer
This one really surprised me! Despite the title, it is spiritual without being religious. I appreciate the message that our loved ones never leave us and continue to guide us on our journeys.
The art style is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s beautiful and ethereal and vibrant. I can see this being a book where you find a new detail every time you flip through the pages.
I think this book would be a great resource to begin discussions with kids dealing with grief and loss. I would absolutely purchase this or recommend it for a library collection.
Reviewer 1509822
This is a wonderful little book about helping young children to deal with grief and loss. One of the things that attracted me to this book was that other reviewers spoke of it as spiritual, but not strictly religious which is something I appreciate.
I thought the book was so sweet and reading the messages even made me a bit emotional. I believe children’s stories sometimes have a way of reaching straight into your heart and pulling you back to simpler times, and back in contact with your emotions, especially here considering the subject matter.
The artwork is also absolutely stunning and I loved all the angelic imagery. I believe this will be a good resource for children dealing with grief.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy!
Quote: “ I am still with you and my love will never run out”.
This book was so beautiful. Angel Winks is such an amazing way to help your child understand and cope with grief and loss in a gentle and comforting way. The story is heartfelt and filled with warmth, offering reassurance and hope during difficult times. The illustrations are vibrant and beautiful, perfectly matching the tone of the story and drawing young readers in. It’s a touching and meaningful read that both children and parents will cherish.
Katie R, Reviewer
Thank you to NetyGalley for allowing me to read this book.
This was a super cute and heartwarming book about grief. Great way to show children that their loved ones are still there...even if they can't see them.
As a former preschool teacher, I’ve always loved books that help little ones make sense of life’s big questions. This sweet story is perfect to read after the loss of a loved one. Even as an adult who has lost both my mom and dad, I still find myself looking for angel winks. This beautiful book is a gentle reminder that those we love are never truly gone—they’re still watching over us.
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