Always and Everywhere by Laura Bowman

Always and Everywhere by Laura Bowman
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8 approx
Published By: CreateSpace.com (independent)
Publication Date: October 2008
ISBN-13: 978-0615230672

When I discovered this book online a few weeks back, I made a post here to help spread the word about it. Written for her dear friend Margie and her family, Laura created the book as a way to both commemorize her dear friend's life and impact on her children, and to give encouragement to them all. You see, Margie is fighting a heartbreaking battle against breast cancer. And while she has no intentions of giving up the fight any time soon, when the time does come for her to move on from this world she wants her children to remember that even though she won't be physically with them she'll always be here in spirit. Isn't that a beautiful way to look at it? I personally hadn't read it, but the book's content and the story behind it was so moving that I felt it sounded like one truly worth promoting. It was then that Susan, the kind and generous director at Always and Everywhere, having seen my blog post, contacted me regarding receiving a copy of my very own. So, it is with much thanks to Susan, Laura, and Margie that I am now able to post my very own review.

Set in a normal every day world where kids will be kids and questions will be asked, Laura tackles one of the toughest subjects. What happens when you lose someone you love? Done in a beautiful and very simplified manner, Laura never actually uses the words death or loss. Rather, she skips gently to the topic of angels. Those slightly older readers will probably grasp the concept without help, but the younger ones in the group will still learn great lessons from the book even if they don't necessarily make all the connections.

The point of the story is that everyday- always and everywhere- those we love are with us. If not in body they are with us in spirit, and they'll always be with us through the lessons they've taught us and morals they've instilled in us.

Always and Everywhere was everything I'd expected and more. The children John, Mark, and Claire go about their daily routines, and at set intervals stop to inquire about something unseen but felt, unheard but noticed, forgotten yet not gone completely. They learn to slow down and live in the moment, to enjoy the simple joys life has to offer, to hold tight to their dreams and never let go, and they learn that they are never truly alone. In short, there's always more going on than meets the eye; so never take any of it for granted.

I absolutely loved this book. The way the author chose to put forth her friend's story on paper and canvas (She also painted the illustrations.) was both moving and beautiful. No matter what point your child is at in life's circle, I think this is a wonderful book filled with great reminders that even we parents can benefit from.



OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Always and Everywhere... a book with a cause

Most of the time when we as readers determine to buy a book it's based on some trivial reason such as price, appeal, etc. We buy the book, the author makes some money of it, and so do several people in between. Now there's nothing at all wrong with this process of elimination, and there is certainly nothing wrong with the chain of command as that's the nature of the business. But, what if there was a book that looked interesting and inspiring, was very reasonably priced, and was written and being sold for a totally selfless cause? Would this cause you to pause and take note? If it would, then get ready to put everything on hold for just a few moments, because I have a book I'd like to suggest to you.

Always and Everywhere by Laura Bowman

I have personally never seen or read this book except for what I'm about to share with you here online. Infact, I only just discovered it myself tonight while browsing some of my favorite blogs. Just reading the author's introduction on the site though has me thinking this is a book worth promoting. I'd absolutely love to read it too, but will have to wait til I have some extra money to pick up a copy. If anyone should read it, based on this post referral, before I get a chance to, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

From http://www.alwaysandeverywhere.org/-

Author and illustrator, Laura Bowman, created Always and Everywhere to help a dear friend in need. Margie LaSalle was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. The book is intended to raise funds for Margie and her family. The LaSalle family, including husband Chris and children, John Mark and Claire, currently live in a two bedroom condominium. The stairs throughout their current home are difficult for Margie to negotiate due to the pain associated with the cancer in her bones. The LaSalle’s are in need of funds to help cover medical expenses and to assist in moving expenses. Proceeds from Always and Everywhere will assist in these initiatives.

Always and Everywhere features John Mark and Claire, Margie’s two children. The book revolves around a series of questions from the children, and reassuring responses from their mom. The final question, regarding the existence of angels, provides reinforcement that we are never alone. For the children who are facing, or have faced, the loss of a Mother; Always and Everywhere is a reminder that Mom is always with you in the lessons that she taught and her spirit is eternal.

So, if the sound of this book or the drive behind it inspires you, there's no better time to order the special child(ren) in your life a copy than right now. Doing so will not only help promote the love of reading I hope all of you are trying to instill in your child(ren), but you'll also be helping out a very worthy cause in the process.

If you've read this far, THANK YOU!

One last side note, if anyone reading this lives in the Atlanta, GA area or knows of anyone who does, there's a Book Launch party coming up soon.

Thursday, November 20th from 5 - 9 PM @ the Mason Murer Projects in Buckhead
There will be: Live music, book signings, and silent auction of the original artwork from the book (Which is stunning, by the way.) Please go to the artwork section for information about bidding and to view the paintings.
All proceeds go to the Margie LaSalle Cancer Fund