Take a Look Inside!

To see how You’re Never Too Big To Hold begins, click on the first thumbnail below. To exit the slideshow, click in the middle of any slide.

How This Book Happened

I have been uncomfortable with touch for most of my life. Even when I was in very difficult situations (divorce, lost love, extended illness), I didn’t reach out to anyone else for physical comfort. It just never occurred to me.

Then, when I was in my 40s, I found myself in the hospital with a scary condition. One afternoon when I was frantic with anxiety, a calm, caring woman held me on her lap for about half an hour, as if I were a child. When I told her that I was ashamed to be held at my age, she said kindly, “Oh, you’re never too big to hold!”

That half-hour changed my life. By the time it was over, I had found a place of deep comfort and security that I didn’t know existed. One of my worst symptoms (nausea) had decreased significantly. And I had completely let go of my belief that being held was only for small children and romantic couples.

After I got out of the hospital, I began asking my friends to hold me when I was anxious or lonely. (I asked mostly women friends, but a few safe men as well). Also, for the first time ever, I was able to hold other people when they were upset, without feeling too scared or awkward.

It seems obvious now, but at the time I felt as if I had discovered fire. (“This is amazing! Adults can do this for each other!”)  From my own experience, I knew without a doubt that holding could provide the same comfort and sense of security for adults that it does for children.

It was my desire to communicate this life-transforming (and very simple) idea that led to You’re Never Too Big To Hold.

What Do You Call Those Characters?

When I was drawing them, I didn’t call them anything. I just wanted characters that had no obvious gender or race. Then people began asking me this question, and I figured I had to come up with something. I tried out Baggies and Jellies, but neither seemed quite right. Finally a friend suggested a name that I love: Pillow People!