Book Nook: Wherever You'll Be

Wherever You'll Be, the debut picture book from Ariella Prince Guttman, follows a mother and child throughout their day while they are apart. Whether at work or at school, all through the day they find comfort in thinking of each other. 

Guttman’s firsthand experience as a working parent lends authenticity to her first picture book; it is highly relatable and perfectly illustrates the woes of separation anxiety, in addition to the joy of daily family reunion after a day apart. The book has lyrical rhyming text and is paired with sweet and intimate illustrations from illustrator Geneviève Godbout, making it perfect for families getting ready for moments apart – whether children are going to summer camp, a grandparent’s house for the weekend, or back-to-school in the fall, this unforgettable story serves as a reminder that your family will always be thinking of you, no matter the distance. 

You can learn more in this interview.

Why did you write this book?

When I returned to work after having my daughter it was an emotional time, so to help me cope I wrote her a letter about how I was feeling.  It was cathartic for me and I wanted to write something that she could read and understand when she got older.  I thought that if it helped me, perhaps it might help other parents through the transition as well.

Why is it important for parents and caregivers to reassure their kids that love doesn't stop just because we can't see someone?

We want our children to grow up secure in knowing that our love is always there, and people care for them, even if they can’t be together all the time.  It’s important to build a strong foundation of love to ingrain in them that whether we’re at work, they are in school, or wherever they go in life, their loved ones always care no matter the distance.

 

What was your favorite thing about publishing this book?

I loved seeing my words and feelings come alive on the pages and through the beautiful illustrations.  I am so excited to share it with my daughter and for other parents to enjoy it with the little ones in their lives. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ariella Prince Guttman’s inspiration for WHEREVER YOU’LL BE is based on her experience going back to work after the birth of her daughter. Ariella most recently worked at NBC’s Today Show for 10 years.  She lives on Long Island, New York, with her husband and two children. This is her first picture book.

 

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:  Born and raised in Quebec, Geneviève Godbout studied traditional animation in Montreal and at the prestigious Gobelins school in Paris. She is the illustrator of several books for children, including Goodnight, Anne, The Pink Umbrella, When Santa Was a Baby, Kindergarten Luck and Joseph Fipps. She recently illustrated a picture-book edition of the beloved classic Mary Poppins. She also works for clothing designers like Nadinoo and Mrs. Pomeranz, creating illustrations and prints for their collections.