Ojiichan's Gift
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
A heartwarming story about the relationship between a girl and her grandfather. When Mayumi was born, her grandfather built her a garden. It had no flowers or vegetables in it. Instead, Ojiichan made it out of stones: “big ones, little ones and ones in-between.” Every summer, Mayumi visits her grandfather in Japan, and they tend the garden together. Raking the gravel is her favorite part. But then one summer, everything changes. Ojiichan has grown too old to care for his home and the garden. He has to move. Can Mayumi find a way to keep the memory of their garden alive? Children will be moved by Mayumi’s devotion and ingenuity.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When Mayumi visits her grandfather in Japan, she helps him tend to his garden of stones ("big ones, little ones and ones in between") and shrubs. But one year, it's clear that Ojiichan can no longer tend to his home. As her parents pack up Ojiichan's belongings, Mayumi angrily kicks a rock in the garden, making a mess. She begins raking the gravel, and "a tiny idea took root." She makes her grandfather a small rock garden in a bento box and creates one for herself, as well. Simms conveys the tender connection between the two in watercolor art, while Uegaki gingerly explores the strong emotions that accompany a loss and the mementos that can soften grief. Ages 3 7.
