The Light We Cannot See

by Chris Manion

1st Place in the Living Waters Children's Book ContestBlue Lake Christian Writers Conference"Not everything is as it first appears."When a toy store turns out its lights and closes for the day, something special happens inside. Angels open all the toys, then guide children from heaven to play through the night in a light adults cannot see.

34 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2021

About the author

I love creating and writing. My latest thrill is learning to write fiction and especially children's books. The Light We Cannot See is dedicated to all who have a little one in heaven. The Grateful Boat addresses facing our fears, trusting God in the middle of storms, and debunking self-pity.

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/manion.c.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I 'm the oldest of five siblings. I met my husband of at the University of Dayton (where I graduated in three years magna cum laud in Communication Arts). We're still blessed to be in love. Our children and five grandchildren are our greatest blessings.

Books I read: romance, non-fiction especially self-development and contemplative mysticism, any novel with an unreliable narrator, biographies and memoirs, and all things about Christianity - deepening our transformation with, and love for, God.

Catch my blog at www.chrismanion.com/writing. Join the Chris Manion group at www.facebook.com/authorChrisManion.

Find my personal FB page at www.facebook.com/manion2

Reviews

[DiAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut Author Chris Manion creates a light-hearted, spirit-filled book for children that shows the light of trust.

[Susan Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent children's book will help minister to those who have lost a child or love a little one that is in heaven. The book provides a beautiful image of where their little ones may be and how their guardian angels take care of them. You can find a little dove on each page that represents the Holy Spirit. Beautiful illustrations and excellent rhyme.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

September 21, 2021
A review by Anthony T. Riggio of the Children’s book “The Light We Cannot See” by Chris Manion and illustrated by Jack Foster
I am a senior adult who has lost his touch with young minds and how they see the reality I no longer can. I have to admit that it would be nice to have that innocence, lost over many decades of being an adult. I read serious history and adult type novels that are sometimes complex and many times difficult to read even for an “old and very educated yet sometimes curmudgeon” person. Having read this children’s book several times, I could not help looking for hidden meanings and philosophical issues and wondering what Chris Manion was hoping to get from the children who would read this book. Again, here’s this old guy who forgot the wonderment and mystery of the young mind.
The book is written in a rhythmic and poetic style that I believe would require it being read by an adult to a child, for example a parent, an aunt, uncle, teacher or grandparent. Somehow as I read this book which is beautifully illustrated by an artist who obviously loves children and can see the images the words inspire and present them in a way a child or even an older adolescent would see in their minds eye. I had memories of my parents reading to me fairytale books like Grims Tales or Hans Christian Anderson. I remember seeing my own illustrations in my thoughts and feeling the warmth of the story read to me by my parents. They were always so comforting to me with their fluctuating inflections to give feelings to the scene and color to the characters.
This book while seemingly for children would give depth and texture to complex and mysteriousness to very adult and somewhat sophisticated concepts, that even as adults, we rarely grasp.
Chris Manion is a very spiritual person whose life is inspired by God and Holy things and who dotes over her grand children in a way that many can only admire and hopefully emulate.
I will read this book several more times and glean additional insights into the magic that awaits future readers who will read this book well into their adulthood.
I rate this book highly at the maximum number of stars permitted.

[Alice Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story about guardian angels taking their heavenly charges to play with toys at night is not simply fluffy angels' wings. It has a powerful message conveying that just because all appears dark and we cannot see God's light does not mean that His light is not there. His love shines in ways that we often cannot perceive or conceive of. Sometimes we need the mind of a child or a touching children's story to get the point God wants to make to us. The Light We Cannot See is an inspiring read and certainly a comforting scenario for anyone who has lost a little one.

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coping with the loss of a sibling, child, or young friend is not easy. Child whisperer and award-winning author, Chris Manion, has woven this touching and heartwarming story of lost little ones being guided to playtime by angels who care for those who God has called home.

Jack Foster, one of my favorite artists, provides the charming illustrations for this story with a powerful message that has the ability to comfort children and adults alike. I appreciate the diverse characters reflected in his illustrations, so that readers can connect with the story on a personal level.

Manion has taken a challenging topic and broken it down into a story filled with light, love, and joy. The Light We Cannot See will touch lives and uplift the brokenhearted. A true treasure.

[Cheryl Bostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

With gentleness and wisdom, author Chris Manion weaves a beautifully rhymed tale that at first appears to be specifically written for young children. Readers will quickly realize, however, that this gem will bless not only kids (who are sure to enjoy every page), but also those adults who have lost children. The story will help those who love and miss little ones to picture them in the care of God's vigilant, loving, guardian angels. When loss and sorrow threaten to overwhelm hope, this thoughtfully crafted little book will remind readers of every age that even when we can't see the Light, it's there, and our beloved ones are wrapped in God's care.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first time I met Chris in our writing group I have loved her heart, and her writing has touched me deeply. I am so thrilled to read her first children's book and it does not disappoint. I have seen her face light up as she talks about her grandchildren, and can't wait to see a picture of those children snuggled up to her on the couch as she reads her own story to them. I smiled the entire time I read it. The pictures are beautiful and will spark conversation as children add their own thoughts to the telling of this story. I hope this is the first of many children's books from Chris. Don't miss the opportunity to share this book with the special children in your life.

[Ellen Fannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Manion's book, The Light We Cannot See, is a brilliant, sensitive, and profound way of presenting comfort and hope to those who have suffered the ultimate loss in the death of a child. At first glance, it appears to be a children's book (which is is) with an easy to understand, rhyming storyline and adorable illustrations. But it goes much deeper in providing peace to grieving adults who have lost children by allowing them to picture their little ones being not only cared for by God's angels, but pampered with joy. The author has managed to create a masterpiece for children and adults alike, while conveying the clear message of God's love in ways we may not see.

[Deborah Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtakingly beautiful concept, read, and illustrations

Oh how touchingly beautiful. And what a powerful message for anyone and everyone. But most especially for those who have lost a child. A quick read, but one that is worth reading again and again. While in the future the book gathers dust, the message will remain a sweet kiss to the spirit and darkness will lose its power.