You and Me, Meant to Be
Description
When Mommy's heart overflows with love and dreams of sharing life's magic, she begins a hopeful journey with the guidance of thoughtful people at the Baby Bank, an IVF clinic. This is the tender story of how you came to be, through a mother's unwavering vision and the miracle of love itself.
You and Me, Meant to Be is a heartfelt celebration of modern families and the courage often necessary to create them. Through warm illustrations and lyrical storytelling, this picture book helps children understand their unique beginnings while honoring families of all kinds who choose to pursue the IVF journey.
Perfect for ages 3-8, this touching story fills an important gap in children's literature by normalizing assisted reproductive technology and diverse family structures. The book deepens parent-child connection by celebrating the profound, one-of-a-kind love that creates families, regardless of how they come to be.
With its sentimental tone and touching illustrations, You and Me, Meant to Be offers families a meaningful way to share their IVF stories while reminding us that miracles are born from the love that lives within us. This essential addition to any children's collection resonates with the growing number of families created through fertility treatments.
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Persons
Jennifer Zivoin has illustrated more than 40 children's books, and her art has appeared in children's magazines, including "Highlights High Five" and "Clubhouse Jr." Several of her titles have been recognized with gold medals by The Mom's Choice Awards. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the world's largest children's museum, featured her art in a special "Pirates and Princesses" exhibit. Jennifer provided artwork for celebrity picture books, including those by Bill O'Reilly, James Patterson, and Guns N' Roses. Recently, Jennifer made her debut as an author with her book "Pooka & Bunni." Jennifer lives in Indiana with her husband and daughters, whose daily adventures, explorations, and imaginings inspire her illustrations.
Lydia Glass, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist with more than 35 years of experience supporting couples, parents, and families. Throughout her career, she has worked with people going through life's most tender and challenging moments, helping families navigate feelings, strengthen relationships, and care for one another with greater intention. Lydia's work draws from neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy, with a focus on reconciliation and emotional intelligence. In addition to her clinical work, Lydia teaches courses for couples and parents who want to grow through life together and raise emotionally capable children. Lydia loves to dance, play cards, sing karaoke, and enjoys time with her family and two dogs. You & Me: Meant To Be is her debut picture book.
Lauren Glass grew up in Pasadena, California, and spent her early adulthood traveling solo to places of deep spiritual and cultural significance, including Bali and Jerusalem. She studied psychology and cultural studies, earning degrees from Loyola Marymount University and Dartmouth. She later contributed to emotional learning programs through the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and the Contentment Foundation, now used in 11 countries and 315+ schools. Alongside her writing, Lauren teaches courses on living from your own direction. You & Me: Meant To Be celebrates choosing what's authentic to your heart, and the stories you get to be part of because of it. Lauren now lives near the sandy beaches of San Diego, enjoying long dinners with friends, ocean swims, and time with her pup, Tigger.