Always in My Heart

Always in My Heart is a tender, beautifully illustrated story that helps children navigate grief with love, understanding, and cultural connection.Baraka and his dog, Zuri, are inseparable—until a sudden accident changes everything. Struggling to make sense of his loss, Baraka is gently guided by his parents through the complex emotions of grief. Together, they talk, cry, remember, and honor Zuri’s life with a heartfelt farewell ceremony rooted in their African traditions.Written by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Roselyn Kigen, this story offers children and their caregivers a compassionate, age-appropriate way to talk about death and loss. It emphasizes the importance of open conversations, emotional safety, and shared healing. Through Baraka’s journey, young readers learn that grief doesn’t have to be faced alone—and that the love we hold for those we’ve lost stays with us, always.With warm, expressive illustrations by BenjiToons, Always in My Heart is ideal for children aged 4–9 who are coping with the death of a pet or loved one. It’s a comforting resource for families, educators, and therapists looking to support children through difficult times.Because even in the silence of loss, love speaks loudest—and never fades.