GRANDMA'S BLUE BUCKET

In Fritz’s illustrated children’s book, a little girl visits her grandmother to spend a lovely day picking vegetables in her garden.

A young girl named Linh adores both of her grandmothers, one of whom (Bà) lives far away. The other one, called Grandma, lives nearby, and Linh goes to visit her one day. Together, the two pick all sorts of vegetables from Grandma’s giant garden, from peas and potatoes to tomatoes and cabbages, and put them in Grandma’s blue bucket. Eventually, they remove their shoes to walk barefoot: “The warm, brown earth felt like a soft pillow. It squished between their toes. Linh followed, stepping in Grandma’s footprints.” When they finally return to the house, Linh helps her grandmother stir a pot of vegetable soup, which the two then enjoy for lunch. Every few pages, the author includes chants in a blue font that repeat three times (“Onions, parsley, and dill”; “Wash, peel, chop”) for young readers to join in and read aloud. Colors are repeatedly emphasized throughout the book, including “Grandma’s blue bucket,” “white butterflies,” a bumblebee landing on “a bright, red poppy,” and “Grandma’s orange tabby cat.” These colors are reflected in Shrestha’s accompanying illustrations, which feature bright hues but minimal depth. Fritz’s straightforward narrative provides little action, favoring simple, repetitive movements that are further emphasized by the chants in blue font. This results in a very quiet-feeling book (the most whimsical moment occurs when Linh eyes the vast field of onions and thinks, “There must be a dozen or maybe 200”) that focuses more on its setting than its plot. Audiences looking for a more energetic yarn should search elsewhere, but those wanting a soothing story with an emphasis on family and the outdoors will likely enjoy this book’s quaint, homey feel. Fritz has produced an uncomplicated but touching ode to the wonders and joys of the simpler things in life.

An uncomplicated tale that provides bright colors and soothing repetition for young readers.