CLOSE TO YOU FROM FAR AWAY

A story about finding ways to connect long distance.

When Gigi and her family move, the little girl is upset because she’ll be far away from her grandmother. But before she goes, Grandma tells her, “DON’T WORRY, GIGI, IT’S OKAY. I’M CLOSE TO YOU FROM FAR AWAY”—a phrase that Grandma repeats throughout, mostly over the phone, as Gigi adjusts to her new home and copes with change. Gigi’s caregivers are seen once at the back of the moving truck, and the rest of the pages are dedicated to Grandma or Gigi. This becomes repetitive despite attempts to change up layouts and create visual interest through events such as a ruined science project and the cupcakes that Gigi brings to school getting soaked in the rain. Along with phoning Gigi, Grandma sends the child painted rocks and letters. Gigi grapples with the refrain, not understanding how Grandma can be close when they are physically so far apart. While the feelings are genuine and relatable, there is something flat about the storyline. The resolution is anticlimactic yet sweet. Those who make it to the end will be rewarded with instructions on sending a postcard to a loved one. The characters’ oversized eyes and doll-like looks may be comforting for some and off-putting to others. Gigi is light-skinned, one of her parents is lighter-skinned, and the other is darker-skinned; Grandma is tan-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Heartfelt but nothing to write home about.