Zayla's Startlight Home

Where do people go when they pass away?

It’s a question many parents face when a child loses someone they love – a grandparent, a parent, a sibling, a friend, or even a beloved pet.

In those tender moments, children often ask with wide, searching eyes:
“Where did they go?”
“Are they alone?”
“Who’s with them?”
“What do I do when I miss them?”

Zayla’s Starlight Home is a gentle children’s book about grief that helps families answer these questions with kindness, hope, and honesty.
Through the story of Zayla’s magical journey across the stars, children are introduced to the idea of a “forever home” – a safe, peaceful place where loved ones remain, surrounded by love, even after they’ve passed away.

With simple words and beautifully illustrated pages, this picture book about loss makes it easier for parents to talk about what happens when someone we love is no longer with us – whether it’s the loss of a family member or helping a child cope with losing a pet. It’s perfect for bedtime, storytime, or in classrooms to encourage open, comforting conversations about loss.

If you’re looking for a gentle way to talk about loss with a child, Zayla’s Starlight Home offers more than just a story – it’s a hug in book form, reminding children (and adults) that love never truly disappears.

About Me

Meet the Souls Who Brought Zayla’s Story to Life

A story born from love, loss, and the wish to help children see that love never truly disappears.

Shaliza Manmohan is a mother whose world was forever changed when her daughter, Zayla, passed away at just three years old. In the depths of grief, she turned to writing as a way to keep Zayla’s memory alive and to offer comfort to other families walking a similar path.

Julia Kestner (Illustrator): An artist with a gift for capturing warmth and wonder, Julia’s illustrations bring Zayla’s cosmic adventure to life in a way that feels both tender and magical.

30 August 2025

Zayla’s Journey to Her Forever Home

On the first anniversary of her heavenly journey, follow Zayla as she soars through the stars in search of her forever home — a place filled with kindness, courage, laughter, and love. Along the way, she visits magical planets, makes new friends, and discovers that love never truly disappears, even when someone is far away. Perfect for bedtime or classroom reading, Zayla’s Starlight Home offers comfort and wonder for children navigating the mystery of loss.

Gallery

Moments of Starlight and Storytime