Always Together

by Patricia Kreiser

Two otters are always together, always sharing adventures--until one day one of them is gone, and nothing is the same.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Grief, Friendship, Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully sad, gorgeously illustrated picture book with two otter at the center…until there is only one. Probably not a book to read with a child who has recently experienced loss but when the grief is not as fresh, this may help young ones realize that even after death, memories will live on. Could possibly be used in advance of the death of a loved one. Other beautiful books with the same theme are Ida, Always by Caron Levis and Jayne Pillemer’s Still Mine.

Thanks, Capstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital arc of this book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two adorable otters teach readers about life, death, and the love that keeps us going after a loss.

My heart loved this book.

Always Together is a powerful, little jolt to any and all hearts—broken, mending, or full. Otter’s story says so much. And in so few words! The art pairs and supports the text perfectly too. Each and every page is full of warmth, nature, and friends.

Highly recommended for readers of all ages.

[Stephanie (Gorelenore) Cover2CoverBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I was not expecting to cry during a short Children's book read! So warning, this one hits you in your emotional bits.

Always Together is about being together - until you are not. Two best otters play together, eat together, and go everything together, until one isn't theree any more and the one left is sad and lonely, scared and mad too.

I liked this book because it is good to talk about stuff like this, stages of grief and what it means when you feel these things. The otters were adorable, but wow it was SO SAD! and I was not expecting it. I think it took an interesting route - it does not explain at all where the other otter went or why they aren't there anymore, leaving readers just as upset as their friend.

The book has beautiful watercolor art and it is gorgeous, whimsical and sweet. I loved it.

Animal lovers beware, it is a sad book, but could be used as a teaching tool really effectively about loss and grief, but also about moving on in healthy ways.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I just cried a bit. This is a gorgeous children's book which is about two otters who spend all their time together, until one of them passes away and the other one is feeling very lonely. The grieving otter is devastated and goes through a period of sadness, before it is able to finally remember all the memories the two otters had together. Then it is able to be happy again and remember all the good times they had, and they realise that they will still always be together.

The illustrations in the book are really beautiful, and the story is heartwarming, emotional, touching and heartbreaking. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad. I think this would be an excellent story to get for a child trying to understand grief. It was sweet and sad, but simple enough that a child can process what they are going through. The art was so cute.

4 stars

[Elizabeth Lapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet book.

[Victoria B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for kids about grief and loss that's not too heavy.

[Denise J. McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and are what drew me to this story. This book is appropriate for any child who has experienced a loss.

[Rebecca Parten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

"Always Together" by Patricia Kreiser is a picture book to help kids grapple with the topics of loss and grief. The illustrations are very nicely done. The text is appropriate for the target age range. One concern I had is that it might be difficult to see because of the font size and color contrast between the font color and illustrations in the background. Otherwise, I think this is a good option for helping kids navigate their big feelings.

[Heather Stigall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book tugs at all the heartstrings. Two otters are always together—playing, swimming, exploring—“Together times are the best times.” But, one day, they are not together. The simple line, “Until we are not,” and the illustration of one otter sitting on a rock alone, packs an enormous punch. The story continues as the otter carries on “alone” while processing feelings of loss and grief, but has an uplifting, hopeful message at its resolution. Kreiser doesn’t specify why the otters are no longer together, which I love because it leaves that connection up to the reader. A child who has experienced any kind of loss—death, divorce, move, deployment, etc.—will be able to relate to this adorably illustrated, spare-of-text picture book. This is the kind of book you want to take your time to pause with each line, linger over each illustration, and, when you finish, give a big hug.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Always Together” helps children identify the emotions that arise when someone leaves our life. Delicate, colorful watercolor images help young readers connect to the text and keep them engaged. The last few pages pivot to cherishing memories and finding the joy in life after someone is no longer around. A great read for children having to move, whose friends are moving, or who have lost a loved one to some other circumstance. This simple, gentle story helps guide them through naming emotions they might be experiencing so that they can tackle what is truly bothering them. It ends on a bittersweet positive note that can be a springboard for conversation with family and friends.

[bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. An excellent way to introduce the topic of grief to younger people. Would not read it for story time, as it is incredibly emotional (I am a softie), but I would definitely purchase it for my library

[Ashley Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Always Together" is a touching addition to our elementary library. Patricia Kreiser's debut as an author-illustrator artfully explores themes of loss, separation, and loneliness with minimal yet powerful text and soft watercolor illustrations. This heartfelt narrative is a compelling reminder of the significance of companionship and connection, making it a must-read for young readers. Highly recommended for its touching storytelling and evocative artwork.

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for the Digital ARC.

#AlwaysTogether #NetGalley

[jyweniverel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book, for those who are trying to teach their little ones about death. Death is a hard subject to deal with, but this book makes it easier, I feel, by reminding us to remember the importance of all the good times you had, even though you don’t feel good now.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a precious book! The watercolor images are gorgeous & the story. It is sad but it's also good for children experiencing loss. Whether from death, or separated from family in foster care. It let's kids know that no matter what they always have their memories of their loved ones!

[Kathryn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute! I will recommend it to parents of my students who have lost someone special in their life. The pictures are amazing and go perfectly with theme. And actually now that I think about it, I could totally add this to my school collection when we are talking about themes!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley Arc
This is such a touching book! The illustrations are wonderful! When one otter is no longer there, the other finds new friends while remembering good times. This would be a good book for a child to read that has a connection to loss.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very sweet but also kinda sad book about always being with someone and then missing them when they are gone and how much that can hurt and how remembering the good times you had with them can help make that hurt a bit less. Beautifully illustrated.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

And easy to digest book about lost. Nowadays, it is not rare to see best friends got parted, child has to let one of the parents go, and so many heartbreaking goodbyes. Through this book, a beautifully illustrated one, we learn on how to cope with the loss.

[Marcus Wolfshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always together...until you are not

Two orders spend their lives doing lots of activities together. One day, one otter finds that he must do them alone. Experiencing an array of feelings helps the Otter to remember happy memories of time spend together. The otter realizes that although his friend is no long physically with him, his spirit remains through the memories that were made.

Patricia Kreiser's heart warming story of two otters enjoying life together will bring smiles and tears. We all face loss at some point in life which leads to negativing feelings. Patricia also reminds us that even though we may feel alone, remembering the joyful times keeps love ones alive and in our hearts.

I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed this book as it made me smile with its beautiful illustrations....as well as a tear. The books ends on a positive note...reminding us that we are not alone.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a success, this surprises only when it says it's a debut piece from this creator, but is no worse for doing things many previous books have done. For this is doing it with class, detail, character and wonderful visuals. This is one of those introductory looks at grief, but with otters – it concerns two of the critters who are very much in love with each other, and with life, and probably with their ever-present red plastic ball. Notably the narration is only from one of them, because the other is to die, leaving the sadness, loneliness and sorrow to be carried by the other. It will not shock you to know the survivor is OK with everything, as long as the memories and happiness remain, as the title implies. Most sensitively handled, this is a pretty piece with its watercolour art, and a short text that will trip few young readers up in its simplicity. I think it has to be four and a half stars for its look and its positivity.

[E (manga_runner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures are well done and take up the entire page. The sentences are pretty short on the pages and since there is not a lot of text, it would make it easy for a child to follow along and also read. When I thought of the title Always Together, I originally thought (before reading the description) it would be about the otters always being together as in playing all the time. If a child experiences a loss then this one book would be good to show them that even though they might be lonely and sad they can still look back on the good memories they had. For me, I thought of if I were to lose our pup.

It starts out with two otters always together but then one is left behind. Although the otter is lonely and sad, it also mentions how the otter can always remember his/her time with the other one.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy times sharing everything together can suddenly end when that one special person goes out of one's life. Sadness and grief comes with the realization that it won't happen again. In time the sadness lessens and memories of the good times become more real. The cycle of life, loss, and adaptation are the way of things and not an end.
The illustrations by the author are fun, detailed, joyous or dimmed, and lively.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from IBPA/independently published via NetGalley. Thank you!
@CBCBook

[Ni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sweet and heartwarming picture book about two otters who are always together, no matter what. When one of them passes away, the other is left to deal with the grief and sadness left behind. The book goes through the motions of grief with both loneliness and anger. But by looking back at memories and having friends that support, the otters realizes that the two of them will always be together, even if that’s through their memories. Wonderful pictures accompany the text, conveying both the grief and the happiness the otters and other animals experience. It’s a lovely, lovely read that tugs on the heartstrings!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Kelly | Bookmarks 'n Blankets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about life and death. It is an emotional read but is told simply so that children would understand it. It discusses the range of emotions we feel when someone dies. It had me a little teary-eyed, but the ending turned things around, where it made me smile. The watercolor illustrations are gorgeous! Highly recommend!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet but also sad story covers difficult topics such as loss and grief, but in a fairly light and child-friendly way. The story features two otters who are always together until one day they are not. The feelings of sadness, anger and fear are covered, showing that there is a range of feelings associated with grief. The watercolour illustrations are really well done and beautiful to look at. I think that this would be a good book to use to introduce death or loss to a younger child. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review it.

[Ellen L. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated book that presents the joy of friendship and together times, the sadness of loss, and the importance of memories. Two otters play and explore together, swim and sing together. When they are no longer together, the sadness of grief takes over, but is followed by cherishing the memories of together times. The story is told in a few words with beautiful, evocative illustrations that capture both joy and sadness. Reading this book is a very moving experience. Highly recommended.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Capstone Editions for giving me a digital copy of this book to read and honestly review.

The illustrations in Always Together are just beautiful. From the very first page, I was hooked from the pictures alone. Even with so few words, this book had me in tears by the end. I would recommend this book for a child who has experienced loss.

The abrupt change in the tone of the book was jarring the first time I read through. It was very fitting to the emotions felt by sudden loss of a loved one.

[Isa aka the "anintrovertrambles" · Rating 5 out of 5]

What started as a sweet story just got sad really quickly because why not? Man, i forgot how kids books are also able to make full grown women cry. Really enjoyed the art style which reminded me of the best days. The book has such soothing vibes because of the art style. So thank you netgalley for the arc

[Mrs Heidrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book with lovely soft illustrations to discuss the ideas of loss and grief with kids. Two otters are always together and then they are not and the later half of the book deals with the loss, but how memories can also mean you're still always together in some way.

Definitely a book for discussion with kids after some time after loss and probably not when it's new.