Ask a Bookseller: 'See Me in the Wonder' is an affirmation of life after loss

Kathy Gray is the primary bookbuyer for Lark Toys in Kellogg, Minn., and she recommends a picture book by a Midwest artist who walked into her store one day.

"See Me in the Wonder," by Laurel Fraher
"See Me in the Wonder," by Laurel Fraher
Courtesy of Laurel Fraher

Laurel Fraher of Menomonie, Wis., is the author and illustrator of "See Me in the Wonder," and its backstory immediately drew Gray in.

Fraher and her husband had a daughter who passed away at age 3. Fraher wrote "See Me in the Wonder" to help their other children feel connected to their older sister, whom they had never met. Her website describes the work as "a love poem," and she illustrated its simple text with watercolors depicting the natural world. Fraher and her husband co-published the book.

Gray says they not only carry the book in their store but have personally gifted it to others who are experiencing loss. She loves the final lines, which read,

"There's wonder waiting

In each moment.

Find it and you'll see...

When you embrace

This precious life,

You'll be embracing me."

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