Family photos from the making of our new children's book

Two donkeys, two boys, three generations of the Cain family - and a bittersweet lesson on impermanence

I’m so excited to share a new children’s book that three generations of my family wrote together! It’s called Lucky & Norman, and it was written by my husband Ken and me, our sons Sam and Eli, and beloved grandparents Bobbi and Al Cain. It’s a story for kids and families, and it touches on some of the same themes as Bittersweet. The book also has adorable illustrations by the magnificently gifted Stella Lim.

The book tells the story of Sam and Eli’s friendship with two donkeys they befriended on a family vacation - and the sweet sorrow of parting from those donkeys. It teaches little ones (and adults) about impermanence, bittersweetness and resilience - and how to say goodbye to something or someone you love.

Lucky & Norman arrives in stores on June 2 -- but you can preorder your copy now!

In the meantime, I thought I’d share with you a little photo montage of the making of Lucky and Norman:

At first, the donkeys were very shy, and had to be lured with carrots.

Finally, though, they decided to trust the boys.

The boys spent the rest of the holiday feeding them.

But then the holiday ended, and it was time to say goodbye. That was a very, very sad day.

But the boys (and donkeys) learned how to accept impermanence and say goodbye…and a couple of years later, here the boys are with Grandma - writing their story.

Now, that story is a book. It’s coming out on June 2, and you can order it now, for the animal-loving children in your life!