MOLLY MISSES NAINAI

A young immigrant processes her grandmother’s move back to China.

In the painterly art, Molly is shown wearing winter gear as she drags a suitcase in a moonlit snowy landscape. When her mother catches up to her, Molly agrees to return home but tearfully admits she misses her Nainai. “Molly’s grandmother has always been right next to Molly,” the gentle narration explains. We see a toddler-aged Molly and Nainai, portrayed with bright, softly blurred layers of colors in their apartment in China. Chen marks all the milestones the two shared. “She was here” when the family flew from China to Canada, their new home. “She was here” when Molly enjoyed the foods she loves best—jiaozi and baozi (an accompanying image depicts Nainai lovingly looking on). “She was here when Molly drifted into sleep” (we see the two cuddled up in bed reading a bedtime story). “But now she is not here.” Huang employs darker hues as the story reveals that Nainai had to return to China when her six-month visa expired. But Molly starts adjusting to Nainai’s absence, sending her a letter adorned with hearts. The next day the duo talk via video chat for the first time, and Nainai’s voice brings Molly comfort. Precise, repetitive stanzas and tenderly depicted scenes help young readers follow Molly’s emotional journey.

A beautifully quiet guide to navigating absence.