When Jamie Tafoya reached out to us, we knew right away this was going to be a meaningful project.
Jamie is a first-time children’s book author who came across our work while researching other children’s authors—and saw that we had built the website for Eric Carle. She was looking for a team who could help her create a thoughtful, approachable platform to support her debut book. I’m Small, but I Lost Someone Big isn’t just another picture book. It’s a resource for families navigating the complex reality of loss—especially loss to suicide.
She needed more than just a website. She needed a partner who understood how to design around deeply personal storytelling. That’s where we came in.
About the Book
I’m Small, but I Lost Someone Big follows Jonah, a young boy trying to understand the death of his father. It’s an honest, age-appropriate story that opens the door for tough conversations between children and their caregivers.
Based on Jamie’s experience supporting her six-year-old son through the loss of his father, the book offers a way for families to talk about grief, sadness, and suicide in a way that’s grounded and hopeful. It’s exactly the kind of story that demands intentional design—both in its layout and in how it’s presented online.
Bringing the Story to Life: Illustration by Macky Pamintuan
Illustrator Macky Pamintuan brought depth and emotional clarity to the project through a visual style that balances warmth with realism. His portfolio includes everything from Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures and Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew to biographies like The Kelce Brothers and Tom Brady: A Little Golden Book Biography.
His process is hands-on and intuitive, blending acrylic, gouache, and digital media to create expressive, character-driven illustrations. He draws from real life—family, daily moments, and artistic influences like Maurice Sendak.
Pamintuan lives in the Philippines with his wife, daughter, and their Westie. When he’s not drawing, he’s usually traveling or on the basketball court.
Designing the Website: Function Meets Empathy
When it came time to design Jamie’s website, our goal was simple: build a space that feels as thoughtful as the book itself.
The homepage introduces visitors to the story with clarity and care. The about page offers a glimpse into Jamie’s journey, and the book page provides a clear path for parents, educators, and grief counselors to learn more or make a purchase. We also integrated resources like discussion guides and activity sheets—making the site not just a marketing tool, but a functional support hub.
This is what web design for children’s book authors should be: beautiful, purposeful, and rooted in the message behind the work.
A Cider House Project With Purpose
At Cider House, we work with a wide range of clients—but we’re especially committed to working with people who are making something meaningful. Jamie’s story is personal and powerful, and helping her bring it to the world was exactly the kind of project we’re proud to be part of.
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work on web design for children’s book authors and storytellers whose work has shaped generations:
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And now, Jamie Tafoya
Each project has its own tone, audience, and goals. But they all share one thing in common: stories that matter.
What’s Next
We’re excited to support Jamie as she launches this book and continues building her audience. Whether she’s working on future titles, doing school visits, or building community around her message—we’ll be here to support the digital side of the work.
You can visit the live site at jamietafoya.com.
And if you’re an author or publisher looking for web design that understands how to translate your story into a strong, strategic digital presence, let’s talk.
