If You Were Here

Gr 1-3–A brown-skinned child whose gender is not indicated walks out into the forest, thinking “I wish you were here” as they experience the natural world through all five senses. They run through a field where insects buzz and the scent of mushrooms and moss wafts by, then on to a group of green and brown pine trees and “whispering” pine needles, and finally to the ocean, where the taste of a salty ocean breeze and the smell of kelp complete the journey. Along the way, the child refers to an unknown “we” as they are wishing the “other” was with them enjoying the day—it is not specified who or what this might be. The book ends with “My very best place would be even better/ If you were here with me. Sometimes I think that you are.” Lovely descriptive language is paired with detailed digitally drawn illustrations of trees, animals, and the ocean. Though the author leaves much up to the imagination, it is vague almost to the point of confusion for some children: is the child missing a family member? A pet? Despite this, the story will lead to discussions about loss, and how spending time in nature can be healing.