Finding Winnie: A Gentle Story of Love, Loss, and the Way Back Home

When Beth Nicole Hynes set out to write Where’s Winnie?, she wasn’t aiming to document a moment from her life word for word. Instead, she drew from the emotional truth of an experience many families know well: the fear and uncertainty that comes with separation, and the quiet hope that love still connects us even when we can’t see one another.

Loosely inspired by Hynes’ own experience with a rescue dog, Where’s Winnie? follows a curious pup who becomes separated from her human and embarks on a journey to find her way back home. What makes the story especially resonant is its thoughtful dual perspective. The narrative gently moves between Winnie’s experience as she navigates the unfamiliar and Beth’s emotional journey as she searches and waits. This structure allows young readers to understand both sides of the story, helping them process feelings of separation while still feeling safe and reassured.

Rather than rushing toward resolution, Where’s Winnie? lingers in the in-between moments, the searching, the wondering, the waiting. That intentional pacing gives children space to sit with uncertainty in a way that feels calm rather than frightening. The illustrations echo this softness, offering warmth and visual comfort as the story unfolds. Each page feels unhurried, reinforcing the idea that even during difficult moments, connection remains.

Children often form an immediate bond with Winnie, seeing the world through her hopeful eyes, while adults may find themselves drawn to Beth’s emotional perspective, her worry, her patience, and the deep love that underlies every moment of waiting. Together, these viewpoints create a shared experience of empathy that speaks to readers of all ages without overwhelming younger ones.

At its core, Where’s Winnie? is a tender reminder that love doesn’t disappear with distance, and that home, whether it’s a place, a person, or a feeling, is often closer than it seems. It’s a quietly powerful story that reassures, comforts, and gently affirms the enduring bond between humans and the animals who find their way into our hearts.