Where Are You, Eddie?

By Author / Illustrator

Michael Rosen, illus Gill Smith

Genre

Bereavement

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529522877

Format

Hardback

Published

12-03-2026

Synopsis

After Michael Rosen's son Eddie died of meningitis aged just 18, Michael makes sure Eddie lives on in their memories. Visiting the places they went together and speaking to Eddie's friends and siblings, he discovers how Eddie is still with them all.

Simply told with emotional honesty by the former Children's Laureate, Where Are You, Eddie? is a vital book for helping with conversations with children dealing with loss, showing how loved ones can stay with us through sharing memories. Illustrated with warmth and sensitivity by acclaimed artist Gill Smith, and with a personal afterword by Michael Rosen.

"Profound, deeply moving but also healing. It's aimed at children but, honestly, anyone grieving should read it" - Daily Mail. "Deeply poignant" - Observer

Michael Rosen's Sad Book has helped hundreds of thousands of readers in their times of need. Where Are You, Eddie? is the powerful companion book. Praise for Michael Rosen's Sad Book: "Important and astonishing" - The Sunday Times; "a masterpiece" - Observer

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Reviews

Sue

Michael's son, Eddie, has died. But when he asks his cat, Meg, 'Where’s Eddie?', she has some sound advice and suggests that if Michael looks, he'll find Eddie all around. And when Michael goes looking, he realises that Eddie is alive in his memories and those of others.

Deceptively simple, Where’s Eddie? packs a hugely emotional punch yet offers comfort and reassurance for those who are living with the loss of a loved one. The book does not offer platitudes or solutions or false comfort; it speaks from the heart of one who has lived this experience and has tried to find ways to accept it.

Warm illustrations capture Michael's thoughts as he finds Eddie through visiting places, meeting people and sharing memories of his son. These happy moments, shared experiences and reflections are sparked by the smallest, everyday activities, showing that those we love are with us and can help us cope with the loss of their physical presence.

There is a real comfort in this and as Michael wanders round, 'finding' Eddie, readers are sure to chat about their personal experiences, giving voice to their own memories. Deeply poignant and reassuring, Where are you, Eddie? is a real treasure.

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher