Written by Anna Lazowski; Illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury

A child is struggling with the loss of a loved one. The child made a promise to remember. Yet the lost loved one feels as far away as the stars. The refrain of “I built a rocket ship” is repeated throughout the book and reinforces the power of doing when emotions feel overwhelming. Through the act of creation, the child narrates the past experiences and memories in hopes of feeling closer to the lost loved one. Each step in the construction and furnishing of the rocket ship brings another connection to the lost loved one. The father is a soothing presence nearby, providing emotional support and sharing some of the memories.

While the feeling of grief permeates the story, the remembrances of love and connection soothe the edges of the grief. It is a relatable story for anyone who has ever lost a loved one.