For me, as an author and artist, Grief is an Origami Swan has always been a deeply personal journey. What started as a way for me to process my own grief grew into a mission to help others find solace in their most difficult moments.

In the small town where I grew up along the Missouri river, a copy of Grief is an Origami Swan was stolen from the beautiful public library. At first, I felt a sense of loss and maybe anger, but after speaking with the librarian, something powerful became clear. Knowing the content of the book, she said, “The person who took it must’ve really needed the book.” Of course she was trying to make me feel better, but that conversation changed my perspective—what seemed like a theft was, perhaps, a sign that my book had become something important to someone, so essential that they couldn’t let it go. And this is something I often hear from readers. That they return to the story again and again.

This moment at the public library sparked an idea—one that now drives this campaign: getting more copies of Grief is an Origami Swan into public libraries across the US. By donating a book, you’re giving others the opportunity to experience the healing that inspired this project. Even one book, gets us closer to our ambition goal of 100 books. Thank you for your generosity.

Yours in grief and origami,