MEMORY JARS by Vera Brosgol
HARDCOVER
Author & Illustrator: Vera Brosgol
Thoughtful, gentle, and deeply relatable, MEMORY JARS is a tender picture book about change, impermanence, and learning how to hold on to what matters most - without holding too tight.
Freda is heartbroken when she realises she can’t eat all the delicious blueberries she’s picked. Once they’re gone, she’ll have to wait a whole year for more - and she doesn’t want to lose them. Luckily, Gran shows her how blueberries can be saved as jam, tucked safely away in a jar.
Inspired, Freda begins saving everything she loves - sights, sounds, moments, and experiences - storing them carefully so they’ll never disappear. But soon, Freda discovers that when you’re busy saving everything for later, it becomes hard to enjoy anything right now. With warmth and wisdom, she learns that some things are meant to be lived fully… and remembered.
Written and illustrated by Vera Brosgol, creator of the Caldecott Honor book Leave Me Alone!, Memory Jars is a beautifully balanced story that speaks to children’s fears about loss in a comforting, accessible way.
Why young readers (and grown-ups) love it:
- A reassuring exploration of big feelings around change and loss
- Soft, expressive illustrations full of warmth and detail
- A meaningful message about mindfulness and living in the moment
- Perfect for thoughtful read-alouds and gentle conversations
Ideal for sensitive readers and anyone who wants to bottle up special moments, Memory Jars is a comforting reminder that memories don’t need jars - they live inside us.