Still Mine by Jayne Pillemer was published earlier this year. I may or may not have reviewed it before, but I know I have read it. And I think I might not have enjoyed it as much last time as this time. It is a solid 3.5 or 4 for its rating. I know many are not fans of that “average 3” but I like to think that a 3 means it is a solid story, maybe it will not set your pants on fire (but then again, do you really want that?) but it will stick out and you will be thankful for the opportunity to have read it.
This is a picture book that is set up to show us how we send our love, thoughts, and feelings to loved ones who are far away. It is up to you to decide if the person the character is thinking about has moved away or has passed away. (Some examples are, I feel the parent and child who camped could be the death of the father or the divorce of the parents. And the scene with the grandparents with grandchild is the grandmother has passed away. However, with the two young children, one of them has moved away).
Sheryl Murray illustrations are sweet, colorful, detailed as needed, busy and not overpowering. The overall tone is bittersweet but hopeful as well. The images are nice to view, and they complement the text. And while it is not a traditional story, it is a nice flowing one. Aimed for children at least ages five and up, this book is an appropriate way to introduce loss and change.