I See You: A Story for Kids about Homelessness and Being Unhoused - Hardcover

by Michael Genhart (Author), Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Illustrator)

Gold medal winner, 2018 IPPY Awards
Gold Medal Winner, 2017 Foreword INDIES Awards
Gold Medal winner, Mom's Choice Awards

A powerfully illustrated wordless story about compassion, visibility, and recognizing the humanity in others

A woman moves through the city each day, depicted in black and white, surrounded by people in vibrant full-color scenes who pass her by without a glance. To most, she is unseen. But one young boy notices her. Over time, he quietly observes her experiences through changing seasons, witnessing both her struggles and her strength.

In a simple yet deeply moving moment, the boy chooses to acknowledge her, offering a small act of kindness that carries great meaning and the woman is seen in a new light. Without words, I See You invites readers to reflect on what it means to truly notice someone and the impact of being seen.

This thoughtful picture book introduces children to the topic of homelessness with sensitivity and care. Through its wordless format, it encourages observation, empathy, and meaningful discussion, allowing readers to interpret the story in their own way while building understanding and compassion for others.

Key features:

• wordless storytelling: encourages visual literacy, interpretation, and meaningful conversations through powerful illustrations
• explores compassion and awareness: helps children understand the importance of noticing and acknowledging others
• introduces a complex topic with care: presents homelessness in an age-appropriate and thoughtful way
• conversation starter for adults: includes a note with discussion questions and resources for parents, educators, and community members
• trusted publisher: from Magination Press(R), the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development

Author Biography

Michael Genhart, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco and Mill Valley, California, is the authorof numerous books for children including Ouch Moments and the Books for Nourishing Friendships Series. He lives with his family in Marin County. He received his BA in psychology from the University of California, San Diego and his PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park. Visit Dr. Genhart at www.michaelgenhart.com and follow him on Facebook: @picturebookauthor.

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff was born in Malaysia and grew up in Los Angeles. After receiving her B.A in Illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, she worked in the television industry as a character and concept illustrator for clients pitching children's television shows. She later moved to New York and trained as a graphic designer at a Design Studio working with various clients such as Columbia University, New School, and IJDG in NYC. She is the illustrator of many picture books, middle grade novels, early readers, and educational books. Her favorite medium is pen and ink, mixed media. Joanne lives with her family in Amsterdam but continues to travel to L.A, NYC and Malaysia. Visit her at www.joannelewvriethoff.com and follow on Facebook: @JoanneLew-VriethoffIllustrator Twitter: @JLewVriethoff Instagram @JoanneLewVriethoff