You're Here for a Reason Hardcover – Picture Book, September 1, 2015

"Even the smallest of things that you do blossom and multiply far beyond you...You're here for a reason. It's totally true. You're part of a world that is counting on you. So don't be too worried if some days fall flat. Good things can happen, even from that...You're here for a reason. If you think you're not, I would just say that perhaps you forgot- a piece of the world that is precious and dear would surely be missing if you weren't here. If not for your smile and your laugh and your heart, this place we call home would be minus a part."- Nancy Tillman, "You're Here for a Reason."I really can't say it to either of my children any better then that, although I do say those things in my own way as often as I can. I bought a few of her books this week because I absolutely fell in love with the sheer beauty and eloquence of her prose in another of her books. Though I think this way of both of my children, this is a book I specifically want my son to internalize some day. Because he really loves animals, and she illustrates with them in each of her books I've seen thus far, I am hoping in time he will come to accept them.For my sweet angel daughter, she will be surrounded by others who will tell her these messages. But for my beautiful son, who has significant disabilities, the world may rarely tell him these things. We are often in such a rush to applaud certain things as greatness, that it might be easy to overlook the smaller things, like today, when I took out the trash and forgot to line the can. And my sweet little son climbed in the closet, pulled out a trash bag, and quietly handed it to me. Because he is the one who I fear will so often be overlooked, he is the one I feel may most desperately need the kinds of messages in this book.It is another beautifully written book, with a powerful message of affirmation of worth, even in the smallest of actions. Even in something so simple as loosing a ball or a kite (paraphrased from the book), because those things may go on to be loved by someone else. This is a beautiful book that celebrates efforts that may not be considered great, but are still meaningful no matter how small. And I love that.

This book is a nursery must have! Beautiful illustrations. Super sweet story.

got this as a gift for a family who just adopted two kids - it was a hit. it's such a sweet book.

I've purchased several of these and include one in the gift for every baby shower I attend. It's short and "rhyme-y" enough to keep a toddler's attention but still conveys a great message to kids. The writing structure is similar to that of a Dr. Seuss book. It also comes as a board book which is always my preference with little ones since they hold up much better than paperbacks. I've read this to so many children I can recite it from memory at this point, but I'll still continue to buy copies as gifts.

Wonderful affirming message told with beautiful verse and lovely illustrations. My children, - grandchildren and nieces/nephews have loved this book ( ages 4 - 10). My husband reads it to patients at work - ages 18 - 60.

My family and I have loved this book for many years. The message it sends to the reader is so invaluable and important for all of us to hear. You are here for a reason! I have purchased this book for kids and adults because the message rings true across generations. This hardcover version is also well made!

I got this book for a friend with a newborn. As a childless woman, I was tearing up reading this book before gifting it. Big feels. So special for parents and the meaning their kids bring into this world and live out. It’s definitely on the gift list from now on.

Must have book for bed time reading. Tillman writes the most creative books with beautiful illustrations. Great gifts for grandchildren.