Ours: A Story of Loss and Healing

A tender story with exquisite illustrations, Ours will resonate with families who have endured unexpected pregnancy loss and are beginning to heal together.

In late summer, a young boy's parents share the happy news that he's going to be a big brother. As Mama's belly grows and Papa builds a crib, the boy wonders what it will be like to share his favorite toys with his new sibling. Then one cold winter day, Mama and Papa return from the hospital with some devastating news--the baby is not coming anymore. This sudden loss leaves the boy and his parents feeling empty inside.

As spring begins, the grieving family starts a garden together to help their hearts heal. By seeing how some seeds take root and flourish and how some seeds never come to be, the boy grows in his understanding of his family's experience and their resilient love.

Ours is a heartfelt story for families who have experienced unexpected loss and are healing and processing their grief together.

Mandy Settembre studied developmental psychology at Cornell University and Harvard University. She grew up all over the world, and now lives outside Boston with her family and their orange cat. She is a collage artist and owner of Mandy Warhol Fine Art. Ours is her first picture book. Visit her online at mandywarhol.com.

Fran Matsumoto is a Japanese Brazilian artist from São Paulo who studied biology at the University of São Paulo. Her first picture book, Tatá, addresses the criminal fires in Brazilian biomes, and received the award "Distinction" by Cátedra UNESCO de Leitura PUC-Rio. Some of the plants in Ours were inspired by plants she has in her home, or were chosen for their symbology and relation to the story. You can visit her online at franmatsumoto.com.