How to Make a Memory

by Elaine Vickers, Ana Aranda (Illustrator)

The Wonderful Things You Will Be meets The Remember Balloons in this lyrical and gentle picture book about the joy and importance of making memories and cherishing life’s most special moments.

To remember means to keep something in your mind.
To hold it safe in your memory, like a small, smooth egg in your hand.
How do you make a memory? And how do you remember?

This poignant story takes readers through the bittersweet celebration of the last day of school, the pause before blowing out birthday candles, the magical closeness of gathering around a those tiny moments that enrich life.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Elaine Vickers lives with her family in Southern Utah, where she writes books and teaches college chemistry. She always wanted to be a writer and a teacher, except when she wanted to be an architect, an artist, a pediatrician, a judge, or a famous actress. Visit her at elainevickers.com.

Reviews

[Tasha Seegmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, there is a picture book so beautifully written that it will engage both the young readers it’s marketed for and adults of all ages. HOW TO MAKE A MEMORY is such a book. Helping people see the ways memories can be made and the value of them, Vickers invites readers to celebrate the lives experiences even when—especially when—an experience in one’s life is coming to a close.

[Ann Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful and poignant picture book! Navigating the transition between the end of one thing and the beginning of something else can be hard for all of us, and the message at the heart of this book is one we all need. It’s beautifully written to be accessible to small children, but simultaneously it’s just as relevant and important for adults. I know I’m going to be pulling out my copy at the end of this school year to help give us all a way to feel like we have some agency as time and life keep going whether we’re ready for them too or not. And I’ll use it for all the little transitions in between, both for me and for my kids. I love this book so much!

[Maria Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How to Make a Memory” shares beautiful truths, listing things we can do to hold on to cherished moments. It was perfect for our last library story-time of the year; the students enjoyed lingering on Ana Aranda’s illustrations, finding images that reminded them of their lives. This book led to important discussions about their feelings. Yet, it certainly isn’t “just for kids.” Adults find comfort in Elaine Vickers’ descriptions, thinking about wonderful relationships and situations from their past. This book brings peace, and I highly recommend it!

[Lisa Yee Swope · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Remember this" is so ephemeral! No wonder we don't have memories until we're a few years old. Photos, drawings, stories, sense memories, all of these go into our memories. I love how the illustrations show how much content is tucked into the characters' minds.

[Jennifer Bertman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and heartfelt, this book talks about different ways to hold on to memories when going through a change or transition in life. Wonderful reading for any occasion, but it would also make a great gift for someone about to begin a new chapter of their life.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tie-in with concluding events--end of year, a friend moving away, graduation, death/grief.
Simple text and colorful illustrations address the reader directly. Suggestions are given for ways to do the important task of remembering.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember 💕

[SamSamSam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This went from fairly simple to what I felt was far too advanced for the target audience.

[Wyndee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this cute book. Great illustrations and fun to read with kids. Very uplifting message.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was reading this with my daughter and became so emotional. Very well written. Highly recommend.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

An elementary and up picture book about all sorts of ways to make and store memories.

[Vania · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/★★★★★

[Chelsie Duncan]

This book is a great one to read to younger students. I think it would specifically resonate with students who are moving homes or experiencing things changing.

[Liz Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kind of loved this one! Such a cool concept and idea to share with littles.

[Michelle Olson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say I’m just not a fan of this one. The book starts out by encouraging you to make memories because something you love will end. Jeez, what a downer.

[Kayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lesbian couple

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Make a Memory is rather abstract, showing a few children spinning through life and experiences, making memories that are sometimes sad, sometimes happy, but all lead to making us who we are. It has a bit of a lyrical lilt to it and is cute.

Well-written and illustrated, but more of a grown-up pick for kids, rather than a kids' pick for kids.

Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).