All The Things We Carry

What else can you carry? A painting you’ve made? Your favourite old bear?

A watering can? A blanket? A chair?

Some things that we carry aren’t things you can touch: a hope, a memory, or a tune.

Best of all, we can care for each other with the love we carry in our hearts.

All The Things We Carry is written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Brizida Magro. It was published by Alison Green Books in the UK in July 2024, and will be published in the US by Henry Holt Books in May 2025 under the title I’ll Carry You. It has also been translated into German, Hebrew and Italian.

How to order your copy of the book:

We always recommend buying books through your nearest independent bookshop, where possible. You can pre-order All The Things We Carry through them, or by following this link:

UK: Bookshop

(Disclosure: I am an author affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!)

Reviews:

“Deeply meaningful and uplifting”

– Kirkus Reviews

“Absolutely adorable – we love it! All The Things We Carry is our Children’s Book of the Month”

– Battersea Bookshop

“An absolute delight! Docherty’s rhymes are light and playful…she has a way of sharing important messages about kindness and empathy with a light touch, never feeling heavy-handed. Magro’s illustrations have soft outlines and warm colours that feel cheerful and welcoming. All The Things We Carry is a beautiful reminder that the most important things are the things that are so intangible, we wouldn’t think about the fact that we’re “carrying” them at all. And that, whether big things or small, we’re all here together to help carry them – and each other.”

– Libraries 4 Schools

“This gorgeously lyrical, rhyming book is perfect for reminding children that some worries aren’t theirs to bear and they can pass them onto older shoulders. Helen Docherty has a way of taking the most profound message for children and then breaking it down into simple words so that it becomes completely accessible. A gentle reassurance that we all need to hear in life and a beautiful message for our Book Clubbers age 3-6.”

– Bentley Heath Primary School Book Club

“I had no doubt that Helen Docherty’s new picture book would be beautifully written, but I didn’t expect her words to evoke such a response in me. I hope they work their magic on you too. What a quietly powerful message this book gives to children. Everyone carries physical and abstract things. Things we can see, things we cannot see. It’s something that unites us all, and is a comforting thought. Brizida Magro’s artwork complements the words so well. Illustrations full of warmth, full of expression, full of love. This would be a wonderful book to share with a class and discuss what children carry and how those experiences unite us.”

– Educ8 Wirral

“A very special and heartwarming book that will spark beautiful and meaningful conversations! This would be an absolutely perfect read in any educational setting. It could be used to open discussions big feelings, special items, important people in everyone’s lives, memories and so much more! It could be used as a springboard for projects about family and self. This amazing book is an absolute must-have for every child’s bookshelf!”

– Inclusive Children’s Books

“This is a special, heartwarming book that would be treasured on any child’s bookshelves. The message, illustrations, and gorgeous rhyming text make it a winner. The idea that there all these invisible things we carry is so powerful. Connecting it to physical items makes it so easy for children to connect the dots, too. The illustrations are beautiful, too, bringing the characters and ideas to life perfectly.  It’s the perfect bedtime read, but it would be great in an EYFS or KS1 setting. You could open up conversations about treasured possessions, big feelings, important people, and so much more.”

– Literate Littles

“The thoughtful text, lilting rhyme and colourful, characterful illustrations collaborate to make All The Things We Carry into the warmest of bookish hugs. A fabulous talking point for younger readers which sends them a very important message – I’ve got you.”

– Wee Reads