The People Who Can’t Meet You Book - A Heartfelt Children’s Story About Love and Loss
The People Who Can't Meet You | Signed Hardcover Book by Matthew Gudernach
Some books become part of your family's story. This is one of them.
It often begins as a gift for a new baby or an expectant parent, but before long, it's being read just as much by the adults. The People Who Can't Meet You gently reminds us that the love of those we've lost doesn't end simply because they aren't here to share life's biggest moments.
Written by Connecticut native Matthew Gudernach after losing his own mother as a teenager, the story began as a poem for his wife while they were expecting their first child. At her encouragement, those heartfelt words became this beautifully illustrated children's book—a lasting tribute to the people whose love continues to shape us across generations.
Whether you're honoring a beloved grandparent, remembering a parent, or looking for a thoughtful way to begin conversations about grief with young children, this is a book families return to again and again. It offers comfort without feeling heavy and celebrates the lasting impact of those who helped make us who we are.
And for younger readers (or anyone who enjoys a little game during storytime), keep an eye out for Pickles, Matthew and his wife's cat, who quietly appears in the illustrations throughout nearly every page.
Why Families Treasure This Book
- A gentle, hopeful way to introduce conversations about loss, remembrance, and family legacy.
- Written from lived experience, making every page feel sincere and deeply personal.
- Beautiful hardcover edition that becomes a meaningful keepsake for growing families.
- Signed by author Matthew Gudernach, making each copy at Grace & Haven especially memorable.
- Rich, expressive illustrations by Australian artist Winona Kieslich bring warmth and tenderness to every page.
- A thoughtful gift for baby showers, new parents, grandparents, memorial gifts, or anyone navigating the absence of someone they love.
Book Details
- Title: The People Who Can't Meet You
- Author: Matthew Gudernach
- Illustrator: Winona Kieslich
- Format: Hardcover
- Signed: Yes — every Grace & Haven copy is personally signed by the author.
- Recommended for: Families, children, expectant parents, grandparents, and anyone looking for a compassionate way to talk about love, remembrance, and loss.
- Origin: Written by Connecticut native Matthew Gudernach.
Amy's Perspective
This is the book I find myself recommending over and over again. I've watched customers pick it up as a baby shower gift, then come back to buy another copy for a friend because it meant so much to their own family. It's incredibly thoughtful without feeling sad, and I love that it celebrates the people who continue to shape our lives through the love they left behind. And don't forget to look for Pickles while you read—it's become one of my favorite little details to point out in the shop.
Orders are generally shipped within 3 business days using the shipping provider with the best options for your delivery. All orders ship for FREE. Read our Shipping Policy here.
We hope you love your purchase, but we understand that some things just don’t work out as planned. If for any reason you need to return an item, you may return it to us for a refund to the original form of payment within 14 days, or store credit within 30 days. Read our refund policy here.
The People Who Can't Meet You | Signed Hardcover Book by Matthew Gudernach
Some books become part of your family's story. This is one of them.
It often begins as a gift for a new baby or an expectant parent, but before long, it's being read just as much by the adults. The People Who Can't Meet You gently reminds us that the love of those we've lost doesn't end simply because they aren't here to share life's biggest moments.
Written by Connecticut native Matthew Gudernach after losing his own mother as a teenager, the story began as a poem for his wife while they were expecting their first child. At her encouragement, those heartfelt words became this beautifully illustrated children's book—a lasting tribute to the people whose love continues to shape us across generations.
Whether you're honoring a beloved grandparent, remembering a parent, or looking for a thoughtful way to begin conversations about grief with young children, this is a book families return to again and again. It offers comfort without feeling heavy and celebrates the lasting impact of those who helped make us who we are.
And for younger readers (or anyone who enjoys a little game during storytime), keep an eye out for Pickles, Matthew and his wife's cat, who quietly appears in the illustrations throughout nearly every page.
Why Families Treasure This Book
- A gentle, hopeful way to introduce conversations about loss, remembrance, and family legacy.
- Written from lived experience, making every page feel sincere and deeply personal.
- Beautiful hardcover edition that becomes a meaningful keepsake for growing families.
- Signed by author Matthew Gudernach, making each copy at Grace & Haven especially memorable.
- Rich, expressive illustrations by Australian artist Winona Kieslich bring warmth and tenderness to every page.
- A thoughtful gift for baby showers, new parents, grandparents, memorial gifts, or anyone navigating the absence of someone they love.
Book Details
- Title: The People Who Can't Meet You
- Author: Matthew Gudernach
- Illustrator: Winona Kieslich
- Format: Hardcover
- Signed: Yes — every Grace & Haven copy is personally signed by the author.
- Recommended for: Families, children, expectant parents, grandparents, and anyone looking for a compassionate way to talk about love, remembrance, and loss.
- Origin: Written by Connecticut native Matthew Gudernach.
Amy's Perspective
This is the book I find myself recommending over and over again. I've watched customers pick it up as a baby shower gift, then come back to buy another copy for a friend because it meant so much to their own family. It's incredibly thoughtful without feeling sad, and I love that it celebrates the people who continue to shape our lives through the love they left behind. And don't forget to look for Pickles while you read—it's become one of my favorite little details to point out in the shop.
Orders are generally shipped within 3 business days using the shipping provider with the best options for your delivery. All orders ship for FREE. Read our Shipping Policy here.
We hope you love your purchase, but we understand that some things just don’t work out as planned. If for any reason you need to return an item, you may return it to us for a refund to the original form of payment within 14 days, or store credit within 30 days. Read our refund policy here.
