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Always Remember
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.
Praise for Always Remember:
"Without mentioning a deity or religion, the text discusses how people remember those who have died and how their lives live on beyond them. Understated, unsentimental, and gently done."--Kirkus Reviews
"A sweet and poignant story with multiple layers for delving deeper."--School Library Journal
"This makes a comforting choice for families dealing with loss."--Booklist
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.
Praise for Always Remember:
"Without mentioning a deity or religion, the text discusses how people remember those who have died and how their lives live on beyond them. Understated, unsentimental, and gently done."--Kirkus Reviews
"A sweet and poignant story with multiple layers for delving deeper."--School Library Journal
"This makes a comforting choice for families dealing with loss."--Booklist
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2016
4 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Cece Meng
11 books45 followersI was born in Walnut Creek, California, the middle child of five kids. Don't believe everything you hear about the forgotten middle child. We have our methods for getting noticed. My siblings excelled at everything academic. I excelled at daydreaming. My parents were not amused.
My experiences volunteering at a homeless shelter while in college helped me understand the importance of communication and the role it plays in how we see and understand each other as a society. It also showed me how grownups are instrumental in giving kids hope, health, and inspiration to succeed.
My thoughts on writing? For me, it's about the music and the rhythms found in words. The joys of my childhood - music and poetry - wrapped up in the words of today. I love to honor the impulses of our spirited children. I tell my kids I have the best job in the world. I'm a professional daydreamer.
My experiences volunteering at a homeless shelter while in college helped me understand the importance of communication and the role it plays in how we see and understand each other as a society. It also showed me how grownups are instrumental in giving kids hope, health, and inspiration to succeed.
My thoughts on writing? For me, it's about the music and the rhythms found in words. The joys of my childhood - music and poetry - wrapped up in the words of today. I love to honor the impulses of our spirited children. I tell my kids I have the best job in the world. I'm a professional daydreamer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
February 24, 2016
Casually grabbed this book off of the new cart because the cover caught my eye -- cut to me weeping silently at my desk as I poured over this gorgeously rendered story about life, loss, and the legacy our loved ones leave behind. Finally, a gentle picture book about death that pays tribute to the life that came before.
March 28, 2019
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:
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:
February 21, 2016
Always Remember from Cece Meng and Jago is a quiet, thoughtful book about life, death, and legacy. No matter your age, the loss of a loved one is difficult to process and accept. I've been asked on multiple occasions for picture books to help explain the death of a family member or pet to a child, but I don't think I've found one I love quite as much as Always Remember. Highly recommended.
November 24, 2024
In this story, Old Turtle is gone physically, but the animals he knew will always remember him. This story is a great way to show kids how we can miss someone and talk about how they touched our lives without always being sad. I thought the book was just beautiful, and I read it several times again to myself after my kids went to bed, just to linger in this peaceful underwater world of memory and love.
May 13, 2017
5* art
4* story
I didn't realize at first that this was a book about death or loss - I just saw the beautiful turtle on the front and dropped the book into my library bag, thinking how Squirt and I love anything about turtles. So I was a page or two into reading it to him that night before I clued in. Squirt just listened to me tell about the turtle and how his friends would remember all the good things about him as they went on living their lives. So the story, while muted, still works even when there hasn't been a loss. That being said, I think this would be a good book for kids who *have* lost a loved one. It's gentle, and so beautifully illustrated, I think it would be comforting.
4* story
I didn't realize at first that this was a book about death or loss - I just saw the beautiful turtle on the front and dropped the book into my library bag, thinking how Squirt and I love anything about turtles. So I was a page or two into reading it to him that night before I clued in. Squirt just listened to me tell about the turtle and how his friends would remember all the good things about him as they went on living their lives. So the story, while muted, still works even when there hasn't been a loss. That being said, I think this would be a good book for kids who *have* lost a loved one. It's gentle, and so beautifully illustrated, I think it would be comforting.
January 7, 2017
Such a great technique here, that Old Turtle "swam his last swim and took his last breath" on the very first page. We get to know him through the memories of the other ocean animals. The story serves as a tribute to Old Turtle and a lesson that loved ones (and we) live on through the lives we touch.
February 17, 2016
Beautiful. I am sobbing.
August 25, 2023
This was one book that was recommended to me and I wasn't quite sure what I would be getting into. It is hard for people to write about death and for me to right now be reading about the Circus Fire of 1944 it can also be quite a heartrending topic as well as one that brings up to the limelight how will we be remembered, especially if it is so hard for the living to identify the dead.
This is one story that explores the life of an old sea turtle by introducing the reader to his end. They review what he has done through his life, how he has touched those around him and thus sharing his testimony piece by piece. Although in many cases the story would be a sad one it is also one of hope, of remembrance, rest and what can be passed on to the next generations thus his story really has never ended has it? A beautiful tribute altogether.
The illustrations are some of the most beautiful as they capture the ocean in different facets of its being - brightly colored, dark and a mixture of all the above. The old turtle makes an appearance in the illustrations while the majority of the animals who we are introduced to have little ones to reemphasize the message that life continues as well as good works do so as well. And the animals even though they aren't full realistic are realistic enough so that the reader isn't struggling to figure out what species is being used in the telling.
In the end this is one book that touches me and wants me to be more like the old sea turtle. As I told my bf if I should die I want this book to be read at my funeral and so it seems like I will eventually have to buy my own copy to have it on hand. Not a bad investment and one book of lost that I can see myself returning to time over time again for comfort.
This is one story that explores the life of an old sea turtle by introducing the reader to his end. They review what he has done through his life, how he has touched those around him and thus sharing his testimony piece by piece. Although in many cases the story would be a sad one it is also one of hope, of remembrance, rest and what can be passed on to the next generations thus his story really has never ended has it? A beautiful tribute altogether.
The illustrations are some of the most beautiful as they capture the ocean in different facets of its being - brightly colored, dark and a mixture of all the above. The old turtle makes an appearance in the illustrations while the majority of the animals who we are introduced to have little ones to reemphasize the message that life continues as well as good works do so as well. And the animals even though they aren't full realistic are realistic enough so that the reader isn't struggling to figure out what species is being used in the telling.
In the end this is one book that touches me and wants me to be more like the old sea turtle. As I told my bf if I should die I want this book to be read at my funeral and so it seems like I will eventually have to buy my own copy to have it on hand. Not a bad investment and one book of lost that I can see myself returning to time over time again for comfort.
March 11, 2016
This utterly beautifully illustrated book is a perfect book to hand someone who is trying to understand the loss of a loved one (pet, family member, friend) regardless of belief system. I love that different friends of Old Turtle treasure different qualities that he had shown. The turtles remember that he was a good teacher. The whales remember that he was a good friend. The otters remember that he loved to have fun. The dolphins remembered that he loved to explore and discover. The starfish remembered that he was kind. The manatees remembered he was strong and determined. Gorgeous and excellent book that handles death and loss without being overly saccharine or pushing an agenda.
January 20, 2016
Gorgeous and lovely - this book speaks to grief in a compelling way. I especially appreciated the juxtaposition of the illustrations showing memories/current time and the accessibility of the message. I think it I had students dealing with loss in my classroom, this is a book I would hand them.
February 25, 2016
Fantastic story, heartprint story.
This will be a perfect story to use to help comfort a young reader with the loss of a loved one.
This will be a perfect story to use to help comfort a young reader with the loss of a loved one.
January 17, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello friends! Today, we read Always Remember, written by Cece Meng and illustrated by Jago, a heartbreakingly beautiful story about losing a loved one.
On his last day, Old Turtle goes for one last swim and takes one last breath, then the sea takes him back. His friends are sad and miss him, but they remember stories from his life: moments when he was brave, kind, funny and smart. They remember these stories and pass them on and, in doing so, Old Turtle is never forgotten.
I can’t begin to say how much this book touched me. To begin, it’s a beautiful book: the undersea art is breathtaking. The text is easy to read aloud, and the length is fine for baby bookworms. But most of all, this is a meaningful way to teach children about death; not what happens to the person who died (which can vary wildly based on what your beliefs are), but what happens to those left behind, and how they cope with loss. The message that those who leave us live on in our memories is a powerful and comforting one.
On a personal note, JJ’s great-grandfather (my grandfather) passed on a few months ago, and not long after we also lost my grandmother and my father. For JJ, all she will know of these remarkable people are the stories of them that we share with her. As a parent, and the current keeper of these stories, the notion is comforting, and hopeful. This is a beautiful book, and Baby Bookworm approved.
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
March 9, 2016
This is a beautiful picture book that deals with the subject death in a very appropriate and heartwarming way. At the opening of the book, an old sea turtle has passed away: "In the end, on his very last day, Old Turtle swam his last swim and took his last breath. With his life complete, the gentle waves took him away." The pages after that show each of Old Turtles friends remembering things he taught them, ways he made them happy, and ways he helped them when they were in trouble. The digitally created artwork is lovely. This would be a great book to help young people, or anyone for that matter, deal with the difficult topic of death.
June 13, 2016
A comforting story in which many ocean creatures recall the ways in which Old Turtle touched their lives and how his spirit will live on in the their hearts and minds.
I like the approach here with Old Turtle passing and then looking back at the tender moments he shared with different ocean friends. The repeating phrase "and the (fill-in-the-blank) would always remember" was such a nice reflective pause between each scene.
The digital artwork is stunning and just as vibrant as the creatures and landscape it depicts. Highly recommended for young readers struggling with a recent loss ages PreK-2+.
I like the approach here with Old Turtle passing and then looking back at the tender moments he shared with different ocean friends. The repeating phrase "and the (fill-in-the-blank) would always remember" was such a nice reflective pause between each scene.
The digital artwork is stunning and just as vibrant as the creatures and landscape it depicts. Highly recommended for young readers struggling with a recent loss ages PreK-2+.
July 28, 2016
Beautifully illustrated picture book about the impact one life can have on the world. An old turtle dies and the book reflects upon those who will always remember him. This is a good book if you have a child dealing with the loss of a loved one. It's tough to sit down with a child and have a discussion about death and grieving, but this book might be a way to start a conversation. It gently tells the reader that those who are living will carry the memory of those who died, so the one who dies is not really gone.
July 25, 2016
Shelve this with "The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages" by Leo Buscalgia! The text here gives hope to the reader and goes beyond "Freddie" to give encouragement & importance to keep telling the stories of those gone.
Dark blue & green illustrations give the underwater, ocean feel, contrasted with bright colors that bring hope and focus on those he helped.
I'm not sure youngsters will understand the phrase that begins the book, "In the end..." as really only the beginning of remembering.
Dark blue & green illustrations give the underwater, ocean feel, contrasted with bright colors that bring hope and focus on those he helped.
I'm not sure youngsters will understand the phrase that begins the book, "In the end..." as really only the beginning of remembering.
August 25, 2016
I would recommend this book as a family read-together in the event of the loss of a loved one. I think it can be meaningful for the loss of a person or even work for the loss of a beloved pet. The beautiful illustrations combined with a smooth flow of calm words provides a gentle approach to a difficult subject. It made me cry (remembering people I've lost and the great memories I had of them), but it also made me feel happy. A colleague and I even wished we could have been been friends with the Old Turtle..he sounded like such a great friend. :)
March 21, 2016
I recieved a copy of this book from the author. This does not influence my review in any way.
This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and words that will likely help soothe young ones that are trying to cope with loss. I read it to my two boys and they thoroughly enjoyed the animals reminiscing their old friend.
I really wish I knew how to add a picture with my review because the artwork is stunning.
This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and words that will likely help soothe young ones that are trying to cope with loss. I read it to my two boys and they thoroughly enjoyed the animals reminiscing their old friend.
I really wish I knew how to add a picture with my review because the artwork is stunning.
September 10, 2017
This book was little unexpected. I grabbed this book thinking it would be pretty much all about turtles or the ocean but it took a very different turn. I was not expecting it to go the way it did but as I continued to read this book became more sweet and personal. This was such a good book, it was nothing like I have ever read in a children's book. Even though it was unexpected, it was such a nice surprise and really stuck with me.
October 20, 2017
The story is about an old turtle who dies and how all his friends and family will always remember him. There’s a sweetness to remembering all of the turtle’s good sides, but the kids felt that it was a sad story. So it may or may not bring comfort to someone who has experienced loss. Each child processes this differently.
A very young toddler might not grasp that it is about death, but elementary students certainly will.
The artwork deserves a 5 star rating - it’s gorgeous.
A very young toddler might not grasp that it is about death, but elementary students certainly will.
The artwork deserves a 5 star rating - it’s gorgeous.
December 17, 2015
A beautiful and heartfelt book about remembering a friend or loved one. Certainly one of the most breathtaking and lovely examples in this genre of picture book. Most highly recommended for those grieving and in talking with young people about loss.
5 stars for illustrations
5 stars for text
=10 stars for this one
Highly recommended.
5 stars for illustrations
5 stars for text
=10 stars for this one
Highly recommended.
March 14, 2016
My favorite new book of the year! This story deals with death in such a gentle and loving way. On the last day of Old Turtle's life, her friends watch the sun set and reminisce on his friendship. Old Turtle was a good friend and teacher. He loved to play. He was kind and strong. He was brave and made the world a better place. Old Turtle will never be forgotten.
April 27, 2016
I won this in the giveaways and I love winning books like this because I give them to my niece and nephew. Nothing better than a good book to give to some little ones that need encouragement while they learn to read. It's a nice little hard cover book with great art and a well put together story, can't ask for much more than that.
March 8, 2016
I bought this one for the gorgeous illustrations, then realized it's about the aftermath of one old turtle's death; all the lives he touched. Give this one to a child who recently lost someone, or keep it for yourself.
March 11, 2016
The art in this book is fantastic. What a great way to help a kid process the death of a loved one, by remembering all the good stuff they did together. This will be a great concept book when people ask for them.
April 26, 2016
True to the Philomel imprint, this title tugs the heartstrings. The gorgeous, yet peaceful illustrations tie beautifully with this poignant story of loss. A wonderful title for children who have suffered a loss of someone, or some pet that has passed.
April 18, 2016
Beautiful illustrations. Lovely message about an old turtle who leaves behind a legacy. Heart gripping story. One to read and treasure.
Would be great for a school who has experienced an unexpected loss of a staff member.
Would be great for a school who has experienced an unexpected loss of a staff member.
June 13, 2016
This gorgeously illustrated and moving tale is about the life of Old Turtle as remembered by his friends. It is a heartwarming story sure to bring comfort to those experiencing the loss of one they love.
February 23, 2017
A simpler, beautifully illustrated book to remember a loved one than my all-time favorite, Badger's Parting Gifts. The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr is my other go to book to share with families who have lost a loved one.
February 2, 2016
You are different things to different people. You don't always know how much you mean to someone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews