Born to Shine

LET GO to LET GROW

A gentle story about holding on—and learning when to let go.

Written by Gina Kwon and illustrated by Sarah Lei, Let Go to Let Grow is a thoughtful picture book for children and the grown-ups who read with them. Through a quiet journey alongside Otter and Frog, the story invites reflection on what we carry, what we release, and how growth often begins with letting go.

About the Book

Let Go to Let Grow is a gentle picture book about the things we collect—and the moments when we learn to let go. Through the journey of Otter and Frog, the story explores how holding on can sometimes make the path harder, and how sharing, trust, and release can make space for growth.

Written with warmth and restraint, the book invites children to reflect on emotions and experiences they recognize, while offering grown-ups a moment to pause alongside them. It is a story meant to be read together, opening up quiet conversations about change, connection, and moving forward.

Who This Story Is For:

Let Go to Let Grow is written for young readers, but its message reaches beyond childhood.

Perfect for:

- Children exploring emotions, sharing, and change
- Parents and caregivers seeking meaningful moments of reading together
- Educators supporting Social and Emotional Learning
- Creating openings for meaningful conversation
- Anyone navigating growth, at any age

Meet the Creators

Gina Kwon

Author

Gina Kwon is a teacher, writer, and mom who finds meaning (and humour) in life’s everyday lessons about holding on and letting go. Shaped by her daily interactions with children—and the quiet wisdom they share—she hopes to encourage others to experience learning as both exploration and growth. Her stories offer quiet courage, connection, and space to grow.

Sarah Lei

Illustrator

Sarah Lei is an architectural engineer and structural designer whose creative path includes a deep appreciation for illustration and visual storytelling. A former student of Gina Kwon’s over a decade ago, she now returns as the illustrator of Let Go to Let Grow, bringing thoughtful detail and quiet intention to the artwork that shapes the book’s themes of balance, growth, and connection.

What Readers Are Saying

A few words that resonated

— Emily R., parent of a 6-year-old

“My daughter asked me to read this book three nights in a row — and each time, we found something new to talk about. It opened a conversation we didn’t even know we needed.”

— Mr. Allen, Grade 2 teacher

“Let Go to Let Grow is more than a picture book — it’s a gentle invitation to explore emotions, change, and connection. I now use it in my classroom to support social-emotional learning.”

— Monica D., children’s librarian

“Beautifully written and illustrated, this book has quickly become a staff favorite. Kids relate, parents pause, and educators praise it for the quiet wisdom it brings.”