Things I Miss … Things I Can Do Now!
Gentle, thoughtful and full of warmth, this book invites readers to look back on the little things that shape us, childhood memories, family moments, favourite games, pets, adventures, laughter, love and imagination, while also looking forward to all the things still to come and what can be achieved!
The book offers a gentle mindfulness moment, inviting readers to slow down, reflect on their own memories and hopes, and interact with the pages by colouring the illustrations in a way that feels personal to them.
It is a book about growing up, remembering, changing and becoming yourself. For adults, it offers a chance to pause and reconnect with the small joys of childhood. For children, it opens up a world of possibility, confidence and independence, reminding them that life is full of new things to try, choose, dream and become.
The book begins with the things we miss: getting lost in imagination, laughing until your belly hurts, playing hide and seek, dressing up, baking with family, climbing trees, reading favourite books, loving pets and feeling surrounded by care.It then gently turns towards the things we can do now: choosing where to go, who to love, what to wear, how to care for others, what to dream about, and what to do next.
Warm, reflective and positive, this is a picture book about memory, identity, self-acceptance and joy, a reminder that while we may miss many things from the past, there is still so much happiness to be found in who we are and who we are becoming.
With its emotive words and delicate illustrations, Things I Miss … Things I Can Do Now! makes a meaningful gift for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, graduations, family milestones, new beginnings, or any moment when you want to give someone something thoughtful, hopeful and personal.
–
About the Authors & Illustrator:
Jennifer “Jenny” Minniti-Shippey is a writer, editor and arts professional. She is the Director of Development for CIACLA, Editor at Calypso Editions, and Director of the Coyote Creek Writer’s Residency. She previously served as Managing Editor of Poetry International literary journal and Director of Poetic Youth programs in San Diego from 2009 to 2019. She is the author of After the Tour, a 2018 San Diego Book Award finalist from Calypso Editions; Done Dating DJs, winner of the 2009 Fool for Poetry Chapbook Competition from the Munster Literature Centre; and Earth’s Horses & Boys from Finishing Line Press. Her writing has appeared in Tupelo Quarterly, Salamander, Spillway, Cider Press Review, Tar River Poetry and others. She is the co-author of Things I Miss … Things I Can Do Now! Follow on Instagram: @jennyminniti | Website: https://jennyminnitishippey.com/
Matthew Nevin is an award-winning multi-disciplinary creative professional from Ireland, working as a writer, director, producer, curator, artist and cultural producer. With over 20 years’ experience across film, television and the arts in Ireland, the UK, Europe and the United States, he leads projects through Pick Me Up Pictures, MART Gallery & Studios and CIACLA, the Contemporary Irish Arts Center Los Angeles. His work includes the Screen Ireland-supported TV comedy-drama Silver Springs, the short films Today’s Date, You Ask Him and Maggie, the RTÉ-featured online series Culture Chats, and the award-winning feature documentary What Is Going to Happen Next? He has produced and curated more than 60 exhibitions internationally and has worked as an art director and designer on productions including Luther, EastEnders, The Bill and The Amazing Race. He is the co-author of Things I Miss … Things I Can Do Now! Follow on Instagram: @matthewnevin | Website: www.matthewnevin.com
Patricia Douglas is an illustrator, art director, production designer and graphic artist working across film, television and visual storytelling. Her screen credits span art department, graphic design and production design roles on a wide range of productions. As illustrator of Things I Miss … Things I Can Do Now!, her delicate line drawings bring warmth, openness and imagination to the book, giving readers space to colour, reflect and make each page their own. Follow on Instagram: @pdouglas.14