Holding On, Letting Go (Paperback)

Michaela Gordon

ISBN 13: 9798988307648

Published by Michaela Gordon, 2025

About this Item

Paperback. Holding On, Letting Go is a gentle, beautifully illustrated picture book that helps children navigate change, loss, and big feelings with compassion and emotional safety.When Ella learns that something she loves must change, she clings tightly-just like a dandelion seed holding on to the stem. With support, courage, and time, she discovers that letting go can lead to new beginnings, connection, and growth.This heartfelt story offers developmentally supportive language and imagery grounded in emotional learning, grief processing, and nervous-system safety. With soothing art, sensory-aware pacing, and a warm narrative voice, children are guided to understand feelings like sadness, fear, hope, and courage during times of transition.Perfect for: Children experiencing grief, change, or lossFamilies navigating life transitionsTherapists, counselors, and OTs supporting emotional regulationEducators teaching resilience & social-emotional skillsIncludes a gentle reflection page and tools to help grown-ups support emotional connection, regulation, and healing.A meaningful resource for home, school, therapy offices, and libraries, Holding On, Letting Go nurtures resilience, trust, and the power of love through change. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9798988307648

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Holding On, Letting Go (Paperback)
• Publisher: Michaela Gordon
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798988307648
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Makartichan, Karine
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Life changes—and children notice.

When someone or something we love changes or goes away, big feelings can follow. Holding On, Letting Go helps children and families talk about those moments with honesty, warmth, and hope.

Join Ella the little dandelion, her mom, and her grandma as they move through the different stages of life. With gentle conversations and comforting imagery, Ella learns that change and letting go are part of growing—and that love and memories continue on.

This beautifully illustrated picture book, ideal for children ages 5–9 (grades K–3), offers a concrete and reassuring way to begin important conversations about change, loss, and resilience. It also includes a dedicated resource section with:

• conversation starters and guided questions

• sensory regulation tools and strategies

• hands-on activities for reflection and coping

These supports are especially valuable for highly sensitive and neurodiverse children—including those with autism, ADHD, or developmental or physical differences—helping them process emotions, bodily sensations, and transitions with compassion and understanding.

Life is full of moments of holding on and letting go—this story helps children, families, and professionals find gentle ways through those in-between spaces.

About the Author

Michaela Gordon is a licensed occupational therapist with over 22 years of experience. She operates a private occupational therapy practice in Santa Barbara, CA, specializing in helping children with sensory processing and other developmental needs. To learn more about her work and access free resources, visit www.michaelagordon.com.