It's National Grief Awareness Day with Lori Keating!

Hi, readers, writers, and book lovers, too! Today is National Grief Awareness Day - a day devoted to acknowledging the effects of grief and offering support and empathy to those who have faced loss. What better way to honor the day than with the incredibly talented Lori Keating and her newly released book, The Memory Quilt. In her book, Grace grieves for her neighbor, Jason, who was more like a big brother to her. After he passes away, Grace notices his parents are having a hard time with grief. So, Grace sets out to search for the perfect honor gift and finds just the thing. Want to know more about Lori and her touching book, PLUS want to hear about her new small press AND enter for a chance to win her book giveaway? Read on...

Q. Hi, Lori! Thanks for joining #SeaonsOfKidLit. We're thrilled to feature you and your book, The Memory Quilt, for National Grief Awareness Day. Can you share a little bit about yourself and your journey to publication?

A: Thank you so much for having me! I’ve always loved stories and the way books can bring comfort, so when I started writing, I knew I wanted to create stories that could really matter to kids. My first publishing experience was with a small press, which was such a gift because it helped me get my start. But as time went on, I realized their vision for my book and mine weren’t quite the same. When the company announced changes, I was able to get my rights back—and instead of seeing that as an ending, I looked at it as a new beginning. That’s when I started my own small press, Literary Leaf Press, so I could bring my stories to life in the way I had originally envisioned. It’s been a journey of learning and growing, but also of discovering how much possibility is out there if you’re willing to take a leap. I really hope my story encourages other writers to know that there isn’t just one path to publication—you can carve your own.

Q: Your book, The Memory Quilt, is such an important read for young readers, especially those familiar with or facing grief. Can you share more about your book and what inspired you to write about this topic? What age range would you suggest pick up your book?

A: The Memory Quilt tells the story of a little girl named Grace who creates a quilt from her late friend’s clothing to help bring comfort to his grieving parents. At its core, it’s really a story about empathy—Grace sees their pain and feels compelled to do something kind and meaningful for them. The idea for the book was inspired by dear friends of mine who had lost one of their sons. Their other son had memory quilts made as a special gift for his family, and that touched me deeply. Combined with my own experiences with grief and watching how children often process loss in creative, heartfelt ways, I wanted to write something that could give kids permission to feel, while also showing them that love and memory live on. I’d suggest it for readers ages 5–8, but I’ve also heard from teachers, parents, and even grandparents who’ve said it touched them just as much as the kids—so I think it really can reach readers of all ages.

Q. The illustrator, Alyssa Grizenko, did such a fantastic job with the illustrations. What is your favorite spread from the book and why? What do you hope readers of all ages take away from your book and why is it an important read/addition to school or home libraries?

A: My favorite spread is the one where Grace holds up the finished quilt—it’s such a beautiful, hope-filled moment, and the illustrations capture both sadness and comfort in the same breath. I especially love how Grace’s empathy shines through in the story. Her desire to do something kind for her friend’s parents is such a powerful reminder of the ways children often lead with compassion. What I hope readers take away is that grief is real, it’s heavy, and it’s okay to feel it—but there are ways to honor those we’ve lost and carry their memory forward. I believe books like this are important in schools and homes because kids don’t always have the words for their emotions. Stories can give them those words and let them know they’re not alone. With the new edition, the warm cover and thoughtful design invite readers to open the book and find comfort inside, making it a meaningful addition to any library or home collection.

That is so sweet, thanks for sharing!

Q. Can you share more about your podcast/YouTube channel, Kid Lit Meet N Greet, with our readers? Who do you typically feature, how often does it run, and what inspired you to start it?

A: Yes! I started my channel as a way to connect with other authors, illustrators, and book lovers, and to share the heart behind stories. I feature a mix of children’s book creators and people in the publishing world who are passionate about bringing stories to life. Originally, when I had a cohost, we were able to put out two interviews a month. After she stepped back to focus on her career, I slowed down to about one interview a month. Later, as I pursued starting Literary Leaf Press, I had to pause, but I’m hoping to start back up again next year. Honestly, the whole idea grew out of my love for meaningful conversations. Writing can sometimes feel like such a solitary journey, and the channel became a way to shine a light on others while also building community.

Readers, Lori was kind enough to invite #SeasonsOfKidLit to her channel earlier this year. You can check out our interview here and all of the amazing guests she's featured here.

Q: What has it been like to reformat and relaunch The Memory Quilt under your own press? 

That journey taught me so much. I was able to make design choices that aligned with the story’s heart—like adding a dust jacket cover, a new square trim size, and a cover design with warmth and spot UV detail that makes it feel like a keepsake. I also added another spread and a new ending that brings even more depth to Grace’s story. And I’m especially excited because The Memory Quilt officially relaunches on September 2! It feels like a celebration of everything I’ve learned and a brand-new beginning for this story. My hope is that it reaches even more readers who need it—and that it sets the tone for what we’re building at Literary Leaf Press: a home for meaningful KidLit, from picture books to chapter books, middle grade, and young adult stories.”

This is SO exciting! We cannot wait to see all the amazing things you do with your press!

Q: Would you like to leave a tip or a treat for our readers?

A: A Treat! I'd love to offer a copy of The Memory Quilt to one lucky reader.

Wow! Thanks for such a generous treat. And thanks again for joining us. It was such a pleasure getting to know more about you and your press!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win Lori's book giveaway, 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by. Feel free to leave words of encouragement for her new press, too!

Giveaway winners will be drawn and announced on or about 09/15!

Books will be shipped in the US only.

About Lori Keating:

Lori Keating is the founder of Literary Leaf Press and the author of The Memory Quilt, a touching picture book that helps children navigate grief, love, and remembrance. She also writes for older readers, including Angels in the Sand (Middle Grade) and Butterfly Ink (Young Adult). Through her stories, Lori strives to bring comfort, hope, and encouragement across all ages of KidLit. 

Literary Leaf Press is an independent publisher dedicated to “Bringing Stories to Life, One Leaf at a Time,” with imprints spanning picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult fiction.

For more about Lori Keating, and her new press, check out the below links!

Social Media Handles:

Author – Lori Keating

• Website: www.lorikeating.com

• Twitter (X): @LoriMKeating

• Instagram: @LoriMKeating

• BlueSky: @lorikeating.bsky.social

• Facebook: facebook.com/lori.keating.7

• TikTok: @lorikeatingauthor

Publisher – Literary Leaf Press

• Website: www.literaryleafpress.com

• Instagram: @LiteraryLeafPress

• Facebook Official Page coming soon

• Twitter (X): @LitLeafPress

To purchase a copy of The Memory Quilt, click here.

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