A touching back-to-school picture book, based on a true story from author Melissa T. Shultz, to reassure children with separation anxiety using proven self-soothing techniques
“Mama, what will I do if I miss you?”
“Hmm. That’s a good question,” she said. “Let’s try something.”
Alex’s mom took his hand in hers and moved it over his heart.
“Can you feel your heart beating . . . thump, thump?”
Alex is starting day school, but thinking about being away from his mom for so long makes him feel worried! So he and his mom devise a plan to use their magical connection—heart to heart—to feel close to one another even if they cannot be together. Based on a true story from author Melissa Shultz, and with magical illustrations by Lilia Miceli, What Will I Do if I Miss You? is the perfect picture book for families with working parents or children going to school or daycare for the first time.
Praise
Melissa Shultz’s lovely picture book offers gentle reassurance and practical strategies to children who are worried about change or wrestling with separation anxiety. It’s the embodiment of one of my favorite pieces of advice from Fred Rogers, "When children know ahead of time what’s going to happen, they can prepare themselves for what’s coming. They can think about it and get used to their feelings about it.” This is a perfect read for back-to-school—or for anytime a child needs a reminder that they are always, always loved.
—Deborah Farmer Kris, child development expert and author of several books, including Raising Awe-Seekers
