What is Are You Here? About?

Are You Here? children’s story about noticing the small, soft signs that remind us love doesn’t leave — it just changes shape. Whether it’s a ladybug landing at the perfect moment, the hoot of an owl in the trees, or a warm memory that arrives out of nowhere, this book helps children and families talk about grief with gentleness, curiosity, and hope.

Written after the loss of my mom, this story is my way of saying:
We are never alone. Love stays close. We carry them with us.

What inspired you to write Are You Here?

After my mom passed, I began noticing gentle “signs” in nature and in quiet moments that reminded me she was still near. During a 3 a.m. wake-up after a retreat, the words for Are You Here? just flowed. Travis first turned it into a song and then later we turned it into a children’s book.

My hope is that readers of any age feel seen, comforted, and connected. And we’re just getting started—this book is part of a bigger vision that’s still unfolding.

Who is your book for (age range, audience)?

I wrote it with early elementary readers in mind (roughly ages 5–9), but the themes—love, loss, memory, hope—resonate with older kids, teens, and adults.

If you’re a parent, teacher, grandparent, counselor, or friend looking for a gentle way to talk about grief and connection, this book is for you. It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone in a difficult season.

What message or themes are you hoping to share?

Key themes include:

• Love remains after loss—and presence takes on new meaning.

• It’s okay to ask, “Are you here?” and look for an answer.

• Nature and little signs can be comforting reminders of connection.

• Healing grows through shared stories, hope, faith, and community.

Do you have educational resources to accompany the book?

Yes! You’ll find free printables and conversation starters for families, classrooms, support groups, and care teams—drawing prompts, reflection pages, and activities that turn a read-aloud into a deeper shared experience. See our resources page.

I’m already working on my second book. Plus we’re developing grief journals and cards and stationary. My vision is to have an online gift shop with stuffies, magnify glasses, wind chimes, bracelets, charms, music boxes, and so much more!

What is your writing process like?

As a busy mom, my first drafts often happen before sunrise—the very first version arrived at 3 a.m. Inspiration also comes from walks outside and listening to my kids.

After drafting the story, I worked closely with my illustrator, Elisabetta Fantone Cohen, to bring the imagery to life. My publisher Landon Hail Press helped me refine, design and prepare the book.

Is the theme of grief appropriate for children?

Unfortunately, many children experience loss—and big feelings often go unspoken long into adulthood. Kids are perceptive, resilient, and capable of naming emotions when we invite them into honest, age-appropriate conversations.

This story is my way of welcoming children (and their grownups) into a dialogue about hope and healing. It makes a great gift for grownups too!

What if you have doubts about someone’s connection after loss?

It is so real and human to have doubts, questions, and challenging moments in seasons of grief. Being consistent in your faith (whatever that may be) and your prayer can really help. It takes practice but you have to nurture the connection and find reassurance that someone is still with you. That becomes the foundation or core belief that helps you ride the waves of grief and really heal.

Yes, of course bow your head in prayer… but don’t forget to look up in hope! Are You Here? is exactly about that. For my family it’s signs in nature like rainbows, lady bugs, and owls. But for your family it could be any number of things.

How can schools, hospitals, libraries or children’s grief groups use your book?

The book fits beautifully into read-aloud sessions, grief-support programs, pastoral care, and anytime you want to spark discussion about loss, memory, presence, or emotions.

I am looking forward to partnering with schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and bereavement support groups for group discussions. We can work together to create a memorable experience for children and staff and if the stars align, my husband Travis can perform “Are You Here?” like he did at the Together At Peace Sparkle of Hope luncheon in September 2025.

Be sure to ask me about bulk orders in advance on my Contact page.

Where can people buy the book and are there special editions?

The book will be available at major online retailers and independent bookshops for pre-sale now through March 17th, 2026. If you have a favorite local bookstore, please ask them to stock it! Occasionally we’ll offer signed editions with enough advanced notice.

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Do you collaborate with other creatives like illustrators, musicians, etc.?

Absolutely. I’m working with animators currently to bring the illustration say Elisabetta Fantone Cohen to life. Additionally, my husband (musician Travis Clark of band We The Kings) wrote the song that inspired Are You Here? Listen to “Are You Here?” song on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music.

Are you interested in working together? Share more on my Contact page.

How can readers connect with you or join your community?

I love hearing from readers! You can check out past newsletters on my website and subscribe to receive updates, event invitations and free downloads. I also host a community space on Facebook called Are You Here Grief & Prayer Group where people of all ages can share stories, songs, signs, and memories.

Come as you are — the journey is more meaningful together.

What’s next for you? Are there more books coming?

This debut is just the beginning. We are already dreaming up future stories that speak to young hearts navigating big questions. Hopefully this grows with my kids and takes on a life of it’s own beyond me.

Stay tuned via my newsletter and social channels for sneak peeks, cover reveals and launch announcements.

Social Links: Instagram • Facebook • YouTube

Do you and Travis do guest podcast appearances?

Yes! Our first podcast together was on the Together at Peace podcast. I joined host Christine Marzullo alongside my husband, Travis Clark (lead singer of We The Kings), to share the story behind Are You Here?

We talk about my mom’s legacy, the first time she met Travis, and how grief shows up in daily life. We’ve navigated her loss within our marriage and family and we share how storytelling, creativity, and faith became pathways toward healing.

Whether you’re walking through grief yourself or supporting someone you love, this episode is a reminder that the ones we love stay with us.

How do you balance it all as a mom and business owner?

With grace, not perfection. I won’t pretend I’ve figured it all out as Jenny Robinson Clark: wife, mother, and now a writer.

I’m always learning and my kids are constantly teaching me grace for myself and others. This work includes them as much as possible but at the end of the day, family always comes first.

As a homeschooling mom of four, I weave writing my monthly newsletter into our family rhythms: early morning drafts followed by finding little pockets of creativity when I can find it. If something inspires me, I make a note of it and come back to it when I have the time.

It helps that Travis and the kids are always creating too!