Nancy Range Anderson's Blog

I recently had the honor of sharing Caitlin’s Star with a widows support group of more than 35 women, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as an author.

After reading the book aloud, we participated in a reflection activity where everyone wrote the name of someone they had lost on a note card, along with what their loved one’s “heavenly job” might be. They were free to keep their cards private, yet many chose to share them — and what followed was a beautiful mixture of tears, laughter, storytelling, and connection.

Hearing families honor their loved ones with roles like meatball maker, fisherman, party planner, leading a team, and even lighting the stars reminded me why I wrote this book in the first place. Although Caitlin’s Star was originally created for children, I continue to learn that its message resonates deeply with adults as well — anyone who has ever loved and lost.

Books have the extraordinary ability to open doors to conversations that are difficult to begin. I was humbled to witness the comfort and community that emerged in that room, and I carry those stories with me.

If Caitlin’s Star has touched you or someone you know, I would love to hear about your experience. And if you feel moved to leave a review on Goodreads, it would mean so much — reviews help readers find stories that may support them in their own journeys.

Thank you for being here, and for believing in the healing power of story.

If you have a moment, I’d be grateful if you would mark Caitlin’s Star as Want to Read or leave a review — even a short one makes a meaningful difference.

Warmly,
Nancy Range Anderson
Author of Caitlin’s Star

I was deeply touched to receive this reflection from Linn van Alst, a reader in Belgium, after reading Caitlin’s Star:

“This tender, beautifully written children’s book captures the loss of a grandmother in a way that feels both honest and deeply comforting. It explains death with such clarity and kindness that even adults will find themselves pausing, reflecting, and feeling understood.
The story gently guides children through the confusing mix of emotions that come with losing someone they love …
A truly meaningful companion for families navigating loss — tender, honest, and full of heart.”

I’m so grateful for her words. 💛

If you’ve read Caitlin’s Star and feel inspired to share your thoughts, reviews on Goodreads help other families and caregivers discover stories that may bring comfort and connection.

📘 Caitlin’s Star on Goodreads: Caitlin's Star
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Big news to share! ✨
Caitlin’s Star is now available worldwide!
What began as a bedtime story for my family is now reaching families around the globe. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!

Order on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWMK6HWV
🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇧🇪 🇫🇷 🇩🇪 🇮🇹 🇯🇵 🇦🇺

Search “Caitlin’s Star by Nancy Range Anderson” on your country’s Amazon website.

I’m so excited to share something new!

My picture book Caitlin’s Star now has a read-aloud video on YouTube. If you know a child or family who could use a comforting story about love, loss, and remembering, I’d be honored if you shared this with them.

🎥 Watch the read-aloud here:
https://youtu.be/H5_nB62poWg

I’m so excited to join Goodreads as an author! I’ve been a Goodreads reader for years, and it’s a joy to now share my own stories here.

Caitlin’s Star is a heartfelt picture book about love, loss, and remembering — inspired by my own family’s journey. I hope it brings comfort, connection, and light to the families who read it together.

On my blog, I share the creative steps that brought Caitlin’s Star to life, as well as articles about career and life transitions (from my other book, Job Search for Moms).

Blog: https://blackbirdlearningassociates.b...
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/author/nancyra...

Thank you for being part of this new adventure!
Nancy