Ours: A Story of Loss and Healing

by Mandy Settembre, Fran Matsumoto (Illustrator)

A tender story with exquisite illustrations, Ours will resonate with families who have endured unexpected pregnancy loss and are beginning to heal together.

In late summer, a young boy’s parents share the happy news that he’s going to be a big brother. As Mama’s belly grows and Papa builds a crib, the boy wonders what it will be like to share his favorite toys with his new sibling. Then one cold winter day, Mama and Papa return from the hospital with some devastating news–the baby is not coming anymore. This sudden loss leaves the boy and his parents feeling empty inside.

As spring begins, the grieving family starts a garden together to help their hearts heal. By seeing how some seeds take root and flourish and how some seeds never come to be, the boy grows in his understanding of his family’s experience and their resilient love.

Ours is a heartfelt story for families who have experienced unexpected loss and are healing and processing their grief together.

Genres: Picture Books, Family

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mixed race family is excited about the baby girl that is growing fast. The parents and soon to be big brother prepare the house, find the baby clothes he had used, and make plans for a family of four. The son is worried when his grandparents come suddenly and his parents head to the hospital. He wants his sister to come home with them. His grandfather tries to get him to focus on his building toys to help him deal with the lack of communication while his parents are at the hospital. When they return empty handed, he relays his grandfather's words and it leads them to grow a garden. Gardens teach us much about life, including that not all seeds will grow and not all plant shoots survive. Grief is obvious in this story and offers a way to show children that we can survive loss together with family and work to build connections by building our own path. (note: look for the mobile) The note from the author and the resources she provides are a reminder that pregnancy loss is common and even stillbirth is more common than most realize and having this book to help families through this very specific loss is needed.

Wow! I know so many people who need this story in their lives. Students who have had a similar situation in their families that this book would help them see a way our of grief.

[Maximilian Settembre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautifully written book, somewhere between prose and a poem. I can verifiably say that this is a wonderful way to explain difficult and complex topics to your child, especially in the wake of something as challenging as a pregnancy loss. Regardless of situation, if you struggle for how to put the impossible into words, this book will be a great comfort. Five stars!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy is excited to be getting a baby sister, but left sad and confused when his parents come home from the hospital without the baby. Everyone grieves, but working with your hands can help you as you heal. A great book to help anyone dealing with loss.

[Janice Obuchowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and hopeful meditation on loss. This book would be wonderful solace for families in similar circumstances.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poignant and thoughtful story about an under-discussed topic. Every library should have a copy!