Ojiichan’s Gift

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. [em](Apr.) [/em]