A touching parable about human connection.
Grandpa has a surprise for young Lissy.
As the two take a walk, Grandpa reveals a wildly overgrown garden and hints at its past: “We have a lot of work to do, that’s true, but when we’re finished, you’ll see how beautiful it is. Just like it was once before.” That autumn, Grandpa and Lissy clear away dead leaves and weeds. When snow blankets the space in winter, they plan to repair the fence to keep out the hungry rabbits eyeing the garden. In spring, the pair continue working, and presto—soon there’s a “a blooming, vibrant garden, filled with sweet-smelling flowers.” Among them is lavender, the key to the garden’s past: It used to be Grandma’s. Lissy recalls the dried lavender that Grandma had hanging all around the house. Now the garden is Lissy’s—and a link to both grandparents. Originally published in Belgium and the Netherlands and translated from Dutch, this tale goes light on the specifics of gardening; despite Lissy telling Grandpa that she’d like to grow strawberries, peonies, and a cherry tree, we don’t see the pair purchasing seeds or saplings, and we don’t learn much about the work that they do, apart from removing dead leaves to allow the rosebuds beneath to sprout. The focus here is on the emotional impact of the garden, and that’s where Zanellato’s lovely, stylized, clear illustrations soar. Both Lissy and Grandpa are pale-skinned.
A touching parable about human connection. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
ISBN: 9798890633118
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clavis
Review Posted Online: April 6, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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