Pen Jar Productions

I MISS MY MOMMY: 150 Portraits of Orphaned Adults

The World's First Picture Book for Big People Without Parents

All of us will have to do life without our parents at some point. Alison Garwood-Jones has written and illustrated a picture book for orphaned adults to show what the aftermath looks like.

I Miss My Mommy takes you right to the heart of the five stages of grief through 150 portraits, some grim, some funny, but all relatable. The stage you’re in may change by the hour, or even the minute. This book helps readers struggling with grief sit with emotions they’d rather avoid but can’t stop feeling.

Dip inside to find yourself, or someone you love but don’t quite understand. Better yet, present the book to someone who’s missing their mom on Mother’s Day and their dad on Father's Day.

Folks who order will receive a complimentary chapter and custom bookmark while they wait for their book to arrive. Because this is Print on Demand, shipping times are longer than Amazon.

I Need This Book

Reviews

A unique book with profound philosophical moments that evoke peace and emotional healing.
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A stirring resource for adults wrestling with the grief of losing their parents."
Publishers Weekly

"You'll find yourself in the company of many mourners as they experience all the stages of grief. This book is a powerful reminder that you're not alone."
Ann Douglas, author, columnist Psychology Today

"Alison renders portraits of grief with exquisite perception. Losing the people who made us is an undoing we may grapple with for the rest of our lives."
Anne Bokma, The Hamilton Spectator

"I'd been looking for validation for my need to grieve, and I found it in I Miss My Mommy."
Carla Lucchetta, producer, The Agenda with Steve Paikin

"This is the book you need to see you through the loss of a parent. It hurts to be an orphan, no matter your age. Alison captures the shape-shifting grief of orphaned adults in 150 portraits that reveal what even our best friends may not know. It's a wonder."
Rona Maynard, author of Starter Dog & My Mother's Daughter

"I Miss My Mommy speaks volumes about the multi-faceted nature of loss, offering a space for deep reflection."
Joshua Black, PhD, Grief Dreams podcast host

"This book is an outstanding contribution to recognizing, understanding, and accepting one's grief, and the quiet grief of others. In its very simplicity it's message is so profound."
Marie-Anne Erki, Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada

PRESS

ACCOLADES

I Miss My Mommy by Alison Garwood-Jones wins a silver IPPY Award

IPPY MEDAL WINNER

I Miss My Mommy earned a silver IPPY at the 2025 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

In addition to a ⭐ starred review, I Miss My Mommy earned a spot on the Kirkus Reviews 2024 list of Best Books.

At your local library

On a budget?

I don't want my book to be out of reach for readers. That's why I am working hard to make I Miss My Mommy available at your local library. The map below tracks my progress.

I Miss My Mommy: 150 Portraits of Orphaned Adults is coming to a library near you

I Miss My Mommy, a book on the grief of orphaned adults, is available at libraries across Canada

We Love Our Librairies

I Miss My Mommy is available in libraries across Saskatchewan, Vancouver, Toronto, Burlington and Grimsby. If it's not available at your branch, let me know. You can also contact them to request the book (paperback or eBook). The Book Request section appears on most library websites under "Customer Feedback."

NEWSLETTER:

"Grief at The Office"

If my graphic novel follows grief through the rooms of your house, my forthcoming newsletter will explore what happens when it heads back to the office with you.

Whether you're in a "bring your whole self to work" environment or a "Hunger Games" office, new research shows that a "fix it" and "get over" attitude towards grief persists, when all people really want is validation for their need to grieve.

Every month I will interview a range of grief and workplace experts with fresh ideas about how to recognize, honour, and better support grieving employees.

Follow the discussion