Here and There

A young boy, Ivan, experiences the early stages of his parents’ separation and finds hope in the beauty and music of nature. This tale of personal growth will provide a much-needed mirror for children in times of change — and an important reminder for all that there’s beauty everywhere you look.

Barefoot Books (2019)

The Healing Library Kit

Here and There Video

buy the book

"No divorce comes without adjustment, the book indicates, but, given time, separate homes need not feel so separate."
- Publishers Weekly

“Offers affirmation and hope for kids navigating parental separation... Needed everywhere"
- Kirkus Reviews

"Tamara Ellis Smith does more than tell a lovely, lyrical story — she serves as empathic witness to the love and complexity inherent in growing up in more than one household. It's a work of art but also an act of generosity."
- Liz Garton Scanlon, author of Caldecott-honored picture book All The World

"Tamara Ellis Smith puts her finger directly on the joy and the ache that Ivan's two-home life evokes, with beautiful imagery and an authorial heart that knows a thing or two about childhood longing."
- Audrey Vernick, award-winning children's author of Brothers at Bat

"A sweet and gentle book on understanding and coping with divorce."
- Andrew King, bookseller, University Book Store, WA

“A valuable resource to educators or parents of a child who is experiencing a family change.”
- Sarah Overaag, Lincoln Elementary School, SD

…[W]hen it comes to stories about a kid navigating two different homes, this one’s pretty outstanding. The text is smarter than your average messagey title, and let’s keep an eye on Daviddi while we’re at it. There’s some keen stuff going on here."
- Elizabeth Bird, Fuse 8 Production

"A tender book best shared one-on-one.”
- Amy Lukich, Tinley Park Public Library, IL, School Library Journal

"This is a great book for children navigating between the two worlds of different houses. It can be a difficult transition and this book might open up some important conversation."
- Youth Services Book Review

"Ivan's joyful embrace of life underlines the possibilities of happiness and security when home life changes."
- Booklist

"This is a great book for children navigating between the two worlds of different houses. It can be a difficult transition and this book might open up some important conversation."
- Kristin Guay, Centerville Library, Centerville, MA

featured at the Eric Carle Museum
PICTURING HOME
picture book exhibit
August 9-December 31, 2023

2019 Little Free Library Action Book Club pick

HERE AND THERE is featured in one of the kits created by the amazing Healing Library!

These kits are designed to make a family's journey of healing following a trauma easier to navigate and personalize. Designed with the intention of being lent out by libraries, these kits are available for free to download and assemble yourself. Each kit consists of the following:

A Discussion Guide, Activities Guide, Acts of Kindness Guide, Community Helpers Guide, Book Discussion Guide, and a How to Use This Kit Guide

Find out more about the Healing Library and how to assemble your own kit and let me know about it!