Rest in Peace, JY

I was a nervous newbie to the KidLit world, attending my first conference in 2017 when I found myself in line to have Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi sign my books. As the line moved closer, I couldn't quite see them—for the shifting line of bodies trying to get a glance or a photo—but I could hear their voices... the kindness, the laughter, and the generous, encouraging words.

When it was my turn, their lovely smiles and kind words made me feel welcome. As I left, I hugged the books, cradling their signatures close to my chest, and walked away a bit lighter—feeling like maybe I did belong.

My daughter Erica Leigh and I swooning over our signed books in 2017.

Yesterday, my dear friend, poet and author, Nancy Tupper Ling, and I hopped in the car and drove out to Amherst, Mass where a memorial service for Jane Yolen was being held at The Eric Carle Museum- a fitting place to remember a woman who wrote over 450 books- many of them picture books.

Nancy Tupper Ling and I- hearts filled at the end of a lovely remembrance.

In the weeks prior to our trip, I thought a lot about Jane and Heidi and their very special mother-daughter relationship. My own daughter, illustrator Erica Leigh, and I often joked we wanted to be the next "Heidi and Jane," co-writing books and going on the road together. It is still on our bucket list. ;)

Erica Leigh and I doing promo for our book "Forever Home."

I checked out poetry collections from the library that Jane had written, pulled the books she and Heidi had signed from the shelf downstairs, and immersed myself in her words. As a poet myself, I realized that reading Jane's work was like a master class in the dance of words. Jane had a knack for saying so much with so few. It would take me a lifetime to absorb it all.

As the road led Nancy and I to the Berkshires, I thought of all the other friends, family, colleagues, writers, and illustrators whose lives had intersected Jane's, even for a brief time, also heading to The Carle. Getting a last parking space, we headed in, the line winding out the museum door and toward the parking lot. The center hallway filled with chairs felt like a sacred space. One by one, a sea of familiar faces streamed in, taking their seats. I am sure it was the tip of the iceberg, with many more watching from home.

The service was exquisitely and thoughtfully planned. At the sound of bagpipes, the crowd hushed and turned to watch a kilted musician draw us all in together as one family with his notes. It was powerful. Each speaker, each musical selection, each word from the heart was so beautiful and personal.

Jane's daughter, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, gave a beautiful Eulogy—heartfelt and peppered with humor.

Jane's agent, Elizabeth Harding, and friends Bruce Coville & Nikki Grimes.

The moment that brought tears to my eyes was when singer-songwriter Lui Collins spoke about how when she first read Jane's poem "Ballad of the White Seal Maid," she could hear music. She then went on to sing Jane's poem with a beautiful and haunting Scottish flair.

https://youtu.be/HZZh6ZYqbro?si=Y7bRh6PBK3I2cS9H

Here is a recording of Lui singing Jane's poem on another occasion.

There was much laughter about Jane's sense of humor. At one point, we all joined in singing with Lui Collins, one of Jane's favorite silly songs, "Waltzing with Bears." Childlike and wonderful, putting smiles on all our faces.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/d9550d_b4fc4ed7c6c3439ba2b7d0e7cd0f6bde/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Before close friend, Nikki Grimes shared a "Star: A Poem forJane Yolen" she had written for Jane, she commented on how tough the days had been and how she needed to take some time to sit with her grief before the words would flow. The words, when they came, did not disappoint—the poem was beautiful. I loved that poetry was woven through the whole morning in one way or another. Her Grandchildren all shared lovely stories of their Nana. The family hugs afterward brought a tear to many eyes. People shared tissues and knowing glances every step of the way.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/d9550d_a35b9f3b9a924829a6ff2a874c0ede7a/720p/mp4/file.mp4

I know how hard it was for me to lay my own mother to rest, and my heart goes out to Heidi and her family to do it so publicly. But they didi it with grace. I can't imagine dealing with the grief of a mother that was so well known and loved. Jane was a national treasure, but as her family softly reminded us, she was "Jane Yolen" to us, but to the family, she was Jane Stemple—mother and grandmother.

Scotland was such a special place for Jane. Her son, Adam gave a wonderful rendition of "Loch Lomond." This was just lovely.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/d9550d_95b602a4fb184c56b7ac10970182da85/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Rabbi Jan Friedman called us to stand and to share the Al Maleh Rhamin: A Prayer of Remembrance. It was a very holy and meaningful moment where hundreds of Jane's friends and loved ones, regardless of their own religious beliefs, respectfully stood to thank God for her life and wish her peace.

And in a surprising moment at the end, Heidi let us know that her mom Jane would have "the last word." Up on the screen, they began playing a video recording of the 2023 Legacy SCBWI interview that Heidi did with her Mother. Thinking the quiet was his cue, the bagpiper began playing again while the video played. We all chuckled. With Jane's sense of humor she probably would have laughed too.

Near the end, Heidi asked Jane if she wanted to read a bedtime story to everyone, "Owl Moon. " It is one of Jane's most beloved books about Heidi and her father going "Owling" on a moonlit winter evening.

Jane Yolen from her Legacy SCBWI video interview.

So there we sat, in a room at the Carle... in an overflow auditorium... and streaming to untold homes, becoming children again, listening to the master painter of words reading us a bedtime story.

I'll never forget it.

You can listen to Jane read Owl Moon to you here at 47:24. The whole interview is worth watching.

After the service, the family, again led by bagpipes, processed out the center aisle to the patio where hugs, tears, and reunions of dear friends melted into one big love fest. I was so delighted to see so many people I hadn't seen in a while and to meet people I have admired so much and never met.

Thank you, to the Stemple family, for generously welcoming us to your Mom's beautiful service and making us all feel like family. Jane's spirit and laughter, love and encouragement to so many were a beautiful thread woven through every moment. We will all keep a little bit of Jane with us and be better for it. And as a writer, I will be putting this sticker close by, as a reminder that good writing never happens unless I put my B.I.C ;)

Rest in peace Jane. Well done.

God bless you and your family, Heidi. I'll keep you in my prayers.