When Things Are Hard, Remember

by Joanna Rowland, Marcela Calderón (Illustrations)

On days when your faith is shaken, remember... A seed falls to the ground. A child moves away from home. Can life bloom in a new place? With gentle storytelling and poetic language, Joanna Rowland explores what it means to have hope--hope that things will get better, hope that you are cared for even when things are hard, and hope that new growth is waiting to burst forth, just around the corner.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 16, 2021

Reviews

[Mohammadreza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith is hoping-through winter's cold, amid crunching snow and blowing wind-that everything will be alright.

I've listened to this book, and I enjoyed it thanks to the beautiful little voice narrating it =D
Youtube Link

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's almost a prayer-like poise to the script of this book, encouraging a youngster to consider how things bounce back in the spring – the leafless tree of winter, and the hibernating animals – in order to get them through a major change in life circumstances. The illustrations have this to be parents downsizing, and a need to find new schoolfriends in a new home. But it could equally apply to bereavement, family illness, pet loss, anything that would call for such quiet, unshowy positivity.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, comforting book. The lovely words are gentle reminders to children and adults alike that although sometimes things are out of our control and scary, if we have faith and the belief that we will be taken care of, we will find that like the baby turtle who reaches the water's edge, we will be just fine. This is a book that all parents and teachers will want to have on hand to help children get through scary times.

[Serena Gingold Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much packed into this book that makes it wonderful. It’s a story about moving, about feeling lost and lonely, about making friends, and about never losing faith that things will be alright someday. This is an important book to read to children and leaves things open for a deep conversation afterwards. It’s the perfect bibiotherapy book. It’s also a great just as a read aloud with beautiful, enjoyable illustrations that are filled with emotion. And when you finish reading, you’ll have a smile on your face.

[Karen Yin · Rating 5 out of 5]

With tender but self-empowering prose, When Things Are Hard, Remember is the hand that coaxes you from your shell and guides you into a new phase. It's ultimately about impermanence and continuation but presented in a way that children will understand. The reader is free to read into the words and art their own situation, which makes the story immensely relatable. A wonderful book for difficult times and transitions.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful new picture book that gently shows that sometimes life isn't all that we want it to be. It shows the importance of having faith and hope when things get hard and that a new day will bloom again. There are so many layers to this book and it is a wonderful way for parents and educators to dive into conversations around disappointments and changes beyond our control. ⁠

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brave-and-ambitious book to write! And especially to write it for children.

The author sets up a hypothetical situation that is supposed to be relatable. Like saying, "You're small, protected and loved."

Only for many children, only one out of those three attributes is necessarily true. Oops.

There's also one metaphor after another, such as:

When your roots take hold,
you'll begin to sprout
and feel the warmth of the sun again.

Look, I could criticize this book in detail, but why? Joanna meant to bring comfort. For many children, she has likely succeeded. And that's all that really matters.

RATING THIS BOOK

My policy is to rate this book on behalf of the INTENDED readers. They're kids. Likely they've been crying. And they are turning to this book for comfort.

For this brave-and-kind attempt, of course I give this book FIVE STARS.

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna Rowland's newest book is a beautiful and important story for children who might be experiencing change. One line - "You're scared and lonely, and that's okay" reassures children that their feeling are valid. Through faith and with time, Rowland shows readers that they will be fine. The lovely language and stunning illustrations complement each other. This is a perfect book for home, school classrooms, and libraries, to encourage conversation and understanding.

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I wish I had as a child. Joanna Rowland walks the reader through every delicate step of change. Change is something we can all count on, yet something children need to adjust to. Instead of change being scary, she comforts a child through each step, reassuring them that little by little, they will be surrounded by help, love, and acceptance along the way. This heartwarming book puts a child's mind and heart at ease. What a wonderful read-aloud between parents and child.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle book to help children navigate their feelings during times of transition. While the illustrations focus on the story of moving, the narration and message of this book addresses many types of change, guiding children through feelings of sorrow and loss to a sense of hope. Rowland's writing is poetic and sympathetic to the reader and the illustrations portray a variety of emotions associated with change.

[Laurie Kutscera · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I wish I had this book when I was a child. Joanna Rowland has written a sweet, uplifting book about unexpected change and the fear and anxiety that often follows. The message is an encouraging one—although life can sometimes bring difficult transitions, just like spring's promise, you will be okay and flourish once gain. Lovely illustrations by artist Marcela Calderon convey an earthy comforting quality to the story.

[Shirin Shamsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very timely book! This beautiful, poignant and lyrical story helps inspire comfort a child, in times when even grownups struggle to make sense of things. This story provides a comforting way that parents and educators can approach handling difficult situations- with hope and faith. Lovely illustrations accompany the text’s lyricism.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comforting book to help kids transition and adapt to a new situation, having faith that the change and the unknowns that come with it aren't as scary as they may seem, and reassuring young children that all will be all right.

[Anna Harber Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story follows a girl going through an unexpected move. With gentle language and warm illustrations, it remind us that even when things are hard everything will be okay. It is a perfect story for these times.

[Two BookWorms Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message of the book is that though things will change and may be difficult for a time, she will be OK.

For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...

[Angela De Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reassuring story that will comfort readers going through a tough time or an unexpected change. Comparisons to trees in autumn, hibernating animals, and nature emphasize the faith in and hope of tomorrow.

[Michelle Nott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Things are Hard, Remember invites children into a safe space to experience moving from one home to another, from one school to another, and making friends along the way.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[LyssaRaeLuvsCoffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flow is a little disconnected.

[Cheryl Neer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book for kids about change.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Youngsters going through stressful situations are given a pep talk as they follow the story of a girl whose family moves to a new neighborhood.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A recognition of the emotional toll that change brings for a child in transition. Affirming, reassuring, and hopeful.