A loving matriarch shows her family how to appreciate the good times as she navigates the end of a life well livedBingham tells another heartfelt, intergenerational story centered on a Black family. Granny Dee "lives in the heart of Harlem" but crosses town-"on three trains and one bus"-to spend weekends with her beloved granddaughter. Whether taking day trips throughout the city or painting each other's nails, the two delight in every moment together. That is until one weekend when Granny Dee doesn't arrive. "She's getting too old for the trains and buses," Momma says. Daughter and granddaughter visit Granny Dee at her home, where it becomes obvious that she's readying herself for a transition from this world, informed by her Christian faith. "Earth is a rented space," she tells her granddaughter. "Heaven is home." Depictions of the family's loving memories echo Granny Dee's words of wisdom. Her maxim-"Everybody should enjoy life. Life is beautiful"-is a final, bittersweet remembrance as the old woman takes her final breaths; readers are left with a reminder that holding on to happy moments with loved ones can help them sit with grief. Mendoza's carefully composed images of urban scenes, subway rides, and loving moments have a pleasing retro vibe; she infuses her art with animated shapes and lines that pulse with energy-a perfect encapsulation of Granny Dee's sage words.A soul-stirring opportunity for joyful reflection while preparing for one of life's hardest yet most ever-present realities.(Picture book. 4-8)

Missy loves her Granny Dee, who lives on the other side of the city, in Harlem. On weekends, Granny Dee takes three trains and a bus to visit. They love spending time together, watching TV, taking bubble baths, painting their nails, drinking with fancy straws, and eating out. As Granny Dee says often, "Everybody should enjoy life. Life is beautiful." One weekend, much to Missy's disappointment, Granny Dee fails to come over, as "she getting too old for the trains and buses." Missy and her mom travel out to Granny Dee's home, where Granny Dee lies in bed with a nurse by her side. As the weeks go by, Granny Dee stays in bed until her last breath. Missy and her mom carry on Granny Dee's outlook on life by continuing the weekend traditions Granny Dee and Missy used to share. The vibrant illustrations, heavily featuring pastel tones, create a retro feel. Whimsical shapes such as bubbles and swirls capture urban scenes and intimate moments in eye-catching spreads. A tender story about finding beauty and joy even during times of loss.

A loving matriarch shows her family how to appreciate the good times as she navigates the end of a life well livedBingham tells another heartfelt, intergenerational story centered on a Black family. Granny Dee "lives in the heart of Harlem" but crosses town-"on three trains and one bus"-to spend weekends with her beloved granddaughter. Whether taking day trips throughout the city or painting each other's nails, the two delight in every moment together. That is until one weekend when Granny Dee doesn't arrive. "She's getting too old for the trains and buses," Momma says. Daughter and granddaughter visit Granny Dee at her home, where it becomes obvious that she's readying herself for a transition from this world, informed by her Christian faith. "Earth is a rented space," she tells her granddaughter. "Heaven is home." Depictions of the family's loving memories echo Granny Dee's words of wisdom. Her maxim-"Everybody should enjoy life. Life is beautiful"-is a final, bittersweet remembrance as the old woman takes her final breaths; readers are left with a reminder that holding on to happy moments with loved ones can help them sit with grief. Mendoza's carefully composed images of urban scenes, subway rides, and loving moments have a pleasing retro vibe; she infuses her art with animated shapes and lines that pulse with energy-a perfect encapsulation of Granny Dee's sage words.A soul-stirring opportunity for joyful reflection while preparing for one of life's hardest yet most ever-present realities.(Picture book. 4-8)