THIS WAS SO CUTE!! I really loved this book, the concept, the simple language and how Alex was the one who took control of the narrative and said he’d be having his hand on his heart a little less so he could play with his friends! I will read this to my child for sure!

Awww it was so cute. I think the simple yet effective way the character coped could also help kids who suffer from separation anxiety.
The colors and art style were beautiful and engaging.

What Will I Do If I Miss You by Melissa T. Shultz is the perfect book to spark conversation about separation anxiety for young scholars. This beautiful picture book tells the story of Alex and his concerned feelings about starting a new school. The story will give you ideas for proven self-soothing techniques that are presented in a realistic format. Grab this book for families or children going to daycare or school for the first time. I am grateful I was able to read an eARC from NetGalley. The teacher in me loved this book!

I received an electronic ARC from Familius through NetGalley.
Alex is starting at a new to him school while his mom goes to work. He's nervous and they devise a special signal so he knows she loves him and is thinking about him. Readers see him transition from nervous to full enjoyment at being there. I love how the illustrations change as the story moves from his imagination to the actual school. Readers will connect with his feelings and the way he thinks about and creates his imaginary school. A perfect book for families to share before preschool begins.

One of the best, rather the best book I have read on separation anxiety as a child begins schooling. For the question that every child has in his or her head when they begin playschool, away from the familiar confines of home, away from known faces of parents, friends, grandparents etc, - What will I do if I miss you? The mother in this story has such a beautiful answer, a very ingenious way of calming the child and playing down his anxiety. Loved every page, the lines here and the illustrations. While my middle school son might not need this any more, I would have loved to have had access to it 12 years back when he began school. I would still say I needed it now, may be I will remember this when my separation anxiety becomes strong as he leaves home to college and grad studies. A very beautiful book that no parent should miss reading.

When Alex learns that he's starting school soon, he becomes nervous for his first day. What will he do if he starts to miss his mom? His mom helps him to create a 'secret signal' just for the two of them, and he discovers that she's always there, no matter what -- even when he's making friends and having fun at school!

A touching, heartfelt story for any kiddo, especially those who struggle with separation anxiety.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of the Kissing Hand and Guess How Much I Love you comes an adorable picture book story about love and life changes.
Alex is starting school, and he is worried about missing his mom while they are apart. His mom and him create a system, putting their hands over their hearts to send each other love and to remind them that the other is there.
This is such a heartwarming young elementary picture book about the common fears/anxieties surrounding starting school and being away from family. I love how simple the gesture Alex and his mom create is, and I feel like it is something that readers could do with their family members to regulate the anxieties they feel. The illustrations in this book were very well done, with soft pastels and accentuating the heart touching gesture.

This is such a great book and can really be used as a tool to help your kid move outside their comfort zone. I love how it highlights what independence in children can look like in addition to showing how fun trying new things can be - even when we are scared, nervous, or apprehensive.

I thought it was absolutely precious that the mother and son in this story had a special sign they would use when they were missing each other. Just a reminder that the days when your kids are so young are tough but they are full of magic in a way that is so special and so fleeting.

Wonderful story to read together before first days of school or during a time of transition. Well done.

"What Will I Do If I Miss You?" by Melissa T. Shultz is a beautifully written and deeply emotional book that touches the hearts of children and parents alike. It’s a must-read for kids who struggle with anxiety about school, meeting new people, or adjusting to changes in their routine. But what makes this book truly special is that it’s not just for children—it also provides comfort and reassurance for parents who may be going back to work and dealing with their own emotions about being apart from their little ones.

Alex’s journey of navigating his feelings and finding a way to stay connected with his mom was so touching. The moment when he places his hand over his heart to "send a signal" to her whenever he misses her? Cue the tears! That simple yet powerful gesture perfectly captures the love between a parent and child, making this book not just a story but a lifeline for families experiencing separation anxiety.

As Alex grows more comfortable with his new school and routine, he starts relying on the signal less often—a beautiful way of showing his progress and confidence. And when he teaches his stuffed dinosaur to do the same when he’s at school? That moment was everything. It wrapped up the story in such a meaningful way, showing how love and connection can be carried with us, no matter where we are.

This book is more than just a bedtime read—it’s a reassuring hug for kids and parents navigating change. Highly recommend for families looking for a gentle, heartfelt way to ease transitions and offer comfort during big life adjustments.

With soft watercolors and expressive faces, this book gently walks through separation anxiety with warmth and reassurance. The visuals wrap you in comfort, like a hug in picture book form.

What Will I Do If I Miss You? is a sweet and reassuring picture book about a child named Alex who feels nervous about being away from his mom at school. To help ease his worries, they come up with a simple way to feel close to each other, even when they're apart. Inspired by a true story, this book is perfect for families facing the first day of school or daycare, offering comfort and connection through love and imagination.

This was sooooo precious!! It made me emotional, it reminded me of when I started 3rd grade and I cried because I had to leave my mom. The illustrations are so beautiful. I can’t wait to get this for my nieces it’s perfection and so sweet!