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The Invisible String: Family Celebration offers a sweet reminder to young readers that love keeps us connected, even when the people we love are not always nearby. Through the familiar idea of an “invisible string”, children are encouraged to think about the special people who are part of their lives and the connections that make them feel loved and safe.

This book is especially meaningful for adoptive, foster, kinship, and blended families because it provides a simple way to talk with children about separation from parents or siblings, changes in caregivers, and other changes that can leave them wondering about the people they love. It also celebrates the many different ways families are formed. Families may look different from one another, but what makes a family special is the love, connection, and sense of belonging the share.

About the Authors

Patrice Karst is the bestselling author of The Invisible String, a contemporary children’s classic that has sold more than 2.5 million copies and been translated into 21 languages. Beloved by children, families, teachers, therapists, and grief counselors around the world, her work explores the enduring power of love, connection, and comfort across time and distance.

In addition to The Invisible String, Patrice is the author of many other books. Patrice has been on a lifelong mission to share the message that love transcends time and space and is the most powerful force in the universe. She lives in Santa Barbara, where she is currently working on her memoir. Learn more at www.patricekarst.com.

Dana Wyss PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC, RPT is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified clinical art therapist, registered play therapist, and co-author of The Invisible String Workbook. Her doctorate in expressive therapies has led her to create programs integrating art, play, poetry, sports, and animal-assisted therapy in clients’ healing process and staff’s self-care. For the last 25 years, Dr. Wyss has worked in psychiatric hospitals, foster care agencies, group homes, community mental health, and nonpublic school settings to manage crises, conduct training, coach staff, and support children and families. She owns a small private practice and is an international speaker and consultant. She uses her creativity for her own healing as well as to support others.

The Forever Nest is a heartwarming children’s book about Wynn and Fig, two puffins who dream of growing their family through adoption. With the guidance of a wise snowy owl, their journey of hope and anticipation leads to the magical moment they meet their puffling, Pip, and their forever nest is finally complete. This beautifully illustrated story introduces young children to the concept of adoption, offering families a thoughtful way to begin meaningful conversations and model age-appropriate responses to the questions children may ask. Whether you’re part of an adoptive family, an educator, or simply looking for a story that celebrates adoption, The Forever Nest is a heartwarming reminder that love, connection, and belonging are at the heart of every family.

About the Authors

For over 25 years, Dr. Lori Woodring has worked with children, teens, parents, and families. Her clinical experience spans hospital, school, and private practice settings. She is a licensed psychologist in New York and Connecticut, where she now runs her own private practice. Her personal path to parenthood, shaped by infertility, led her to co-create The Stories That Make Us, a children’s book collection exploring the many ways families come together. Dr. Woodring is excited to share The Forever Nest, the collection’s book on adoption. She looks forward to the conversations it can spark between parents and kids. For more information on Dr. Woodring’s practice and books please visit www.drloriwoodring.com.

Dr. Julie Nathan is a licensed psychologist and published author with more than 25 years of experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s emotional challenges. She maintains a private practice serving clients throughout New York and New Jersey. Inspired by both her professional work with families and her own journey to parenthood, Dr. Nathan co-created The Stories That Make Us, a collection of children’s books that helps children recognize, understand, and celebrate the many different ways families are formed. Through gentle storytelling, she hopes to foster connection, belonging, and open conversations within families. For more information on Dr. Nathan’s work, please visit: www.drjulienathan.com.