Lilly's Foster Care Journey: A Story for Children and Teens in Foster Care

A compassionate, empowering children's book that helps kids and teens understand the foster care experience.

Step into Lilly's world, where foster care isn't just explained-it's felt through the eyes of a child. Written for ages 4-18, Lilly's Foster Care Journey meets children and teens where they are emotionally and developmentally. Whether a child is in elementary school, middle school, or high school, Lilly's story opens the door to safe, honest, and hopeful conversations.

Through gentle rhymes and expressive watercolor illustrations, this book makes the foster care process easier to understand. It gives young people language for big emotions while reminding them they are never alone.

Readers will connect with Lilly as she:

- Packs her belongings and leaves home with a social worker

- Meets foster parents who care without replacing

- Adjusts to new schools, routines, and friendships

- Learns about family visits, therapy, and the judge's role

- Finds courage, hope, and healing along the way

More than just a story, Lilly's Foster Care Journey is also a practical resource for foster families, social workers, teachers, and therapists. It helps children in foster care feel seen and understood while also teaching peers empathy for what others may be experiencing.

Written by Sarah K. Sherwood, LMSW, with expertise in child welfare, supporting vulnerable populations, and guiding families through hard-to-talk-about subjects, this book is both a comforting companion for children and teens in care and a valuable tool for the adults who support them.

With compassion and hope at its heart, Lilly's story shows that even when life changes in unexpected ways, healing, belonging, and brighter tomorrows are always possible.

📘 Perfect For:

✔️ Foster parents preparing kids and teens for transition

✔️ Social workers and therapists leading tough conversations

✔️ Teachers and counselors building empathy in classrooms

✔️ Families supporting children through loss, change, and healing