HABBI'S TREASURES

A boy learns from his Korean grandfather how clothes can tell a story.

The endpapers feature a montage of illustrated photographs depicting a young man at various stages of life—disco dancer, sailor, family man—that hints at the rich experiences of Caleb’s grandfather, affectionately referred to as Habbi. Wuertz’s concise narrative explains that Habbi’s house is “full of treasures.” Caleb and Habbi enjoy the aquarium full of fish, the “jungle plants that [reach] up to the ceiling,” and the model train set. When Habbi finds Caleb adorably trying on his old school uniform during a game of hide-and-seek, it sets the stage for Habbi to open up about moments from his life. Caleb’s thrilled when Habbi says Caleb is one of his treasures, and the two connect over family stories. As Caleb tries to imagine Habbi’s life in college and the Navy, he also finds garments tied to more recent events, like Caleb’s mother’s wedding and play sessions with Caleb that left Habbi’s clothes stained. Ho’s detailed portraits blending the past and present day are enriched with dreamy textures and hues, supporting the overall themes of nostalgia and familial love. Another montage of photographs follows on the closing endpapers, cleverly reinforcing the characters’ bond: Caleb’s baby pictures, celebration photos, and a recent family portrait. Caleb’s mother is Korean; his father presents white.

A delightful exploration of how stories can connect family across generations.