The Sky Painter by Anna and Diane Hullet

The Sky Painter: Mother-Daughter Duo Tackle the Topic of Loss

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN—Though death may feel final, Anna and Diane Hullet set out to remind children and adults alike that relationships with loved ones don’t end at the funeral. The Sky Painter is a story that addresses loss and embraces it in a way that becomes relatable and approachable for children as they experience grief. 

“As a teacher I know that children are not oblivious to big topics such as loss and grief. Many children have or will experience a death in their life, and it is important that books reflect their experience and open doors for conversations. Children naturally are curious and much more able to handle conversations like these than we tend to think,” Anna explained. “Children in today's world are bombarded with heavy topics that may instill fear and anxiety, so this book aims to offer a paradigm shift that death does not have to be only scary.”

The Circle of Life

Drawing from their individual experiences—working alongside kids and in end-of-life care—the pair brings a unique approach to illustrating an often taboo subject. 

“As a death doula and end-of-life educator, I often see how difficult it is to talk about death, loss and grief. Yet, this is so real for all of us, including for children, with the passing of people and animals that we know and love. One of the ways we soften the loss is to understand that relationships can continue, and that we can be open to signs that appear,” explained Diane. 

“Research shows that many people experience signs from those who have died, yet few people talk about this despite how common it is. While our dominant Western culture does not hold these experiences as real, death is universal, and trusting signs can be healing for grief,” she continued.

After their first publication, Big Bubble, Little Bubble: A Book About Understanding and Caring for Our Feelings, the two hope that this book serves as another opportunity to communicate emotions, as well as inspire an openness to experiences that may not feel typical. Tying together their professions, personal experiences, and working with talented illustrators, the pair is excited to see The Sky Painter reach the shelves and hands of those who may need it. 

Advance Praise

“This accessible and insightful book offers children a comforting way to understand after-death communication, honoring both the love and the grief. With warmth and clarity, The Sky Painter reassures young readers that connection doesn’t need to end when someone we love dies. The story creates space for feelings and curiosity, meeting children exactly where they are. It’s a valuable resource for families seeking meaning and continuity after loss. “ — Sarah Kerr, PhD, founder of The Centre for Sacred Deathcare

“Anna and Diane Hullet have written a beautiful and genuine story of family love, loss, and grief. They weave the experience of continuing bonds beyond death into the story, which is unique in children’s end-of-life literature. The illustrations are pieces of art unto themselves. This will likely become a classic for many of us and a perfect gift to share with others.” — Jan Booth, MA, RN, end-of-life nurse and educator

The Authors

Anna Hullet has long been drawn to the quiet magic of storytelling and holds a deep love for writing and children’s books. She co-founded Two Wrens Press in 2025 with her mom to create thoughtful, heart-forward books for young readers. After earning her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, she now teaches in Boulder, Colorado. She loves dogs, blank notebooks, and her all-time favorite book, The Quiltmaker’s Gift.

Diane Hullet was drawn to the work of death and dying through personal and collective experiences of loss. She founded Best Life Best Death, where she works as a death doula, end-of-life educator, and podcast host, supporting others as they navigate death and grief. In 2025, she co-founded Two Wrens Press with her daughter, after years of shared conversations about writing and children’s books. She believes in synchronicities, signs, and mysteries at every stage of life.

The Illustrator

Renia Metallinou is an illustrator from Greece, living in a small house by the sea with her family and lots of pets. She worked as a graphic designer for major magazines and newspapers for a decade, and then took the plunge to follow her dream of having a career in illustration. Since 2014, she’s been working as a full-time freelance illustrator, creating books for publishers in Greece and abroad. Her work combines traditional and digital media, using pencil and ink alongside digital tools, and she also enjoys working with gouache, watercolors, and collage.

The Book

The Sky Painter

Anna Hullet and Diane Hullet

Renia Metallinou

32 pages, 8”x10”, Color 

BISACS / Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Death, Grief, Bereavement / Emotions & Feelings / Family / Multigenerational

ISBN: 978-1-968761-89-9, $24.95 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-968761-90-5, $17.95 (Softcover)

Publication Date: 07/28/26

Nightlight Stories, an imprint of  Mission Point Press

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its July 28 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the authors at annah@twowrenspress.com or dianeh@twowrenspress.com.

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