THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GARDEN

A poignant story of grief seen through a child’s eyes.

Accompanied by her mother, a girl visits her late grandmother’s garden—a memorial space where they honor Abuela. The young protagonist recalls spending nearly every day with Abuela as a baby and toddler. Since then, she and her mother have visited the garden, leaving flowers at a headstone. Often, the child brings a balloon and twirls with joy as the breeze blows; sometimes, she gazes over the fence, hoping to see Abuela. But as she grows older, she begins to understand why she can’t return to her grandmother’s blue house and hug Abuela again. As the permanence of her grandmother’s absence sinks in, the girl reflects on the many ways her Abuela still feels present: in the butterflies that land on her fingers, in the playful wind that blows, and in the beauty of the flowers. Recio and Lawrence’s gently understated, lyrical text reminds readers that loved ones live on in the hearts of those they’ve touched, while McCarthy’s richly saturated illustrations capture both the joy of a child exploring nature and the quiet sorrow of a family learning to live with loss. The creators approach a difficult topic with tenderness and understanding, offering comfort and connection. The girl and her mother appear Afro-Latine, with curly black hair, braids, and warm brown skin.

A touching reminder that love continues to bloom, long after goodbyes are said.