Inspiration

When I penned the first draft of I Miss You Most, it was a deeply personal journey. The inspiration came from my toddler's longing for my family, who resided in a different state. His innocent mind couldn't fathom why he couldn't visit his grandparents whenever he wished. I embarked on a quest to explain that it's natural to miss our loved ones and that sometimes, circumstances keep us apart from family and friends, but it doesn't diminish our love for them.

Then, COVID hit. My rough draft took on a new meaning as the population went into lockdown. I had to explain why we were always home and why he couldn't go to daycare or see his friends. A sense of isolation overcame adults and children alike.

I revised, revised, and revised some more until I was happy with a rhyming picture book manuscript that could explain the emotions of missing loved ones and how to cope. Toddlers may be tiny, but every parent knows that inside those tiny, adorable beings are a lot of big emotions. I wanted to encourage emotions while facilitating healthy coping mechanisms such as drawing pictures, writing letters, or talking about their feelings, and provide a way for young people to understand the feeling of missing someone.

Consider the countless scenarios that can lead a child to miss someone. Reflect on the people you miss in your life. Death, divorce, distance, work, deployment, and disagreements are just a few of the life situations that can leave us yearning for others. 'I Miss You Most' is a book that resonates in almost any scenario a child may find themselves in, offering solace and understanding. Its relatability is a testament to its emotional depth and universal appeal.

For my children, the book remains applicable after the pandemic because they miss their dad after our divorce. Divorce and separation impact many families, and often, the children are overwhelmed with new feelings as they attempt to adjust to a new normal. We also moved to a new state, which left my kids missing the friendships they had built in the previous state. Lastly, losing someone due to death is another experience they've faced in their young lives. While death is not mentioned directly in the book, the illustrations depict a red cardinal in each spread, and I used that little bird to explain that when someone passes away, we can be reminded of them when we see a cardinal or by our memories.

Teachers, bloggers, book reviewers, and others have written articles about 'I Miss You Most '. Several news stations featured the book and a brief author interview during the pandemic to give parents a resource to help their young children cope. The book's readability, flow, and ability to hold a toddler's attention are all praised. The links to the news segments, articles, and blogs are on my website, www.cassiehoyt.com, under the Media Coverage link. This positive feedback is a testament to the book's quality and its effectiveness in helping children cope with their emotions.

Every child will inevitably experience the emotional journey of missing certain people in their early years. The circumstances may differ, but the emotions and feelings will be akin. It's crucial to initiate conversations early on with your child. Share openly about the people you miss in your life. Encourage questions. Allow your child to express their feelings. Above all, reassure your child that it's normal to miss loved ones, and that everything will be alright. I Miss You Most is a valuable picture book that can facilitate these discussions, offering comfort and understanding. Coloring pages and activity sheets are available on my website to complement the book. If you need access to the book for a school, program, or charity, please reach out to me so I can arrange for a complimentary copy to be sent!