Review - Always Remember

Always Remember
by Cece Meng
illustrated by Jago
Date: 2016
Publisher: Philomel Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

A lyrically told, beautifully illustrated book that brings comfort to children--and adults--who have lost someone they love

After Old Turtle swims his last swim and breathes his last breath, and the waves gently take him away, his friends lovingly remember how he impacted each and every one of them. As the sea animals think back on how much better Old Turtle made their lives and their world, they realize that he is not truly gone, because his memory and legacy will last forever.

Jago's gorgeous illustrations accompany Cece Meng's serene text in a book that will help chidren understand and cope with the death of a loved one.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a picture book about death. Don't worry, though; it's actually pretty sweet and not at all depressing.

Old Turtle has lived a long life, and when it's over, he returns to the sea. All the other sea creatures remember a time when he helped them or played with them or taught them something. Each memory is then followed by a spread showing the creatures without Old Turtle. But they will always remember what he did for them.

The illustrations are lovely and dreamy, a perfect complement to the gentle text. I really like how this book is presented. It's a beautiful memorial to a friend.

This could be a valuable picture book for people who have suffered a loss. It shows that, although the person (or pet) might be gone in physical form, the memories of their life--and the differences they made in the lives of others--will always live on.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.33 out of 5