Ojiichan's Gift

When Mayumi was born, her grandfather created a garden for her. It was unlike any other garden she knew. It had no flowers or vegetables. 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. Afterward, the two of them sit on a bench and enjoy the results of their efforts in happy silence. But then one summer, everything changes. Ojiichan has grown too old to care for his home and the garden. He has to move. Will Mayumi find a way to keep the memory of the garden alive for both of them?

This gentle picture book story will warm children's hearts as it explores a deep intergenerational bond and the passing of knowledge from grandparent to grandchild over time. The lyrical text by Chieri Uegaki and luminous watercolor illustrations by Genevieve Simms beautifully capture the emotional arc of the story, from Mayumi's contentment through her anger and disappointment to, finally, her acceptance. The story focuses on an important connection to nature, particularly as a place for quiet reflection. It contains character education lessons on caring, responsibility, perseverance and initiative. It's also a wonderful way to introduce social studies conversations about family, aging and multiculturalism. Mayumi lives in North America with her Japanese mother and Dutch father, and visits her grandfather in Japan. Some Japanese words are included.

Author: Chieri Uegaki
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: 04/02/2019
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 9.10h x 9.00w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781771389631
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 501568 / Ojiichan's Gift


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 04/15/2019 pg. 55
Publishers Weekly 01/21/2019
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2019 pg. 126
School Library Journal 04/01/2019 pg. 64
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2019 pg. 118
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Chieri Uegaki is the author of Rosie and Buttercup, Suki's Kimono and Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin. Her books have garnered such honors as the 2015 Ezra Jack Keats Book Award. Chieri lives on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.

Ojiichan's Gift is the first picture book for award-winning illustrator Genevieve Simms. Her illustration clients include House of Anansi Press, the Walrus and the Boston Globe. Genevieve lives in Toronto, Ontario.