Torchbearer Press · St. Louis, Missouri
Torchbearer Press is an independent publishing imprint founded by author and illustrator Jesse Kuhn. We publish books that stay with readers after the final page — on grief and bereavement, on childhood and wonder, and on the questions that shape a life.
Featured · Children's literature
A 48-page illustrated picture book for ages 4–9 about the question every parent dreads — “Is Santa real?” — and how a family can answer it with honesty while keeping the wonder, generosity, and magic alive.
For the 2026 holiday season, the complete illustrated book is free to read at spiritofsantaproject.com/read through December 31, 2026.
Seven gentle companions for grief, each written for one specific loss. The series has surpassed 10,000 copies sold. Paperback, $14.99 each, from always-here.co.
Written for the place where everything feels like falling apart. No timelines, no pressure to move on — a steady presence for a loss that fractures identity, future, and daily life.
For when nothing needs fixing and words are hard to find. No stages, timelines, or expectations — steady presence, honest language, and space to breathe.
For the empty spaces, the missing routines, and the moments you still expect them there. Presence and validation for a quiet, deeply personal bond woven into home.
For the loss of a companion animal, whatever the species, when grief does not fit words or social expectations. No stages, fixes, or comparisons.
For grief that is unseen, unacknowledged, or unsupported — losses that receive no permission and no ritual. No comparisons, and no hierarchy of pain.
For grief after the end of a meaningful relationship — separation, divorce, emotional rupture. No judgments, and no narrative about moving on.
For parents navigating widowhood while still showing up for young children, often with no space to fall apart. Grounding language, steady companionship, and permission to grieve while parenting.
Torchbearer Press exists to publish work worth keeping: books made slowly, honestly, and with care for the reader on the other side of them. The catalog is small on purpose, and it is growing — see what is forthcoming.
Jesse Kuhn is an award-winning author, illustrator, and father of three based in St. Louis, Missouri. His books have received multiple Global Book Awards, including Gold honors in 2026.
The press room has the approved biography, book facts, review quotes, and cover art for The Spirit of Santa. Booksellers, librarians, and rights inquiries go to Rights & professional inquiries.
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