Copyright Date:
2015
Edition Date:
2015
Release Date:
05/01/15
Illustrator:
Danowski, Sonja,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
0-7358-4216-7
ISBN 13:
978-0-7358-4216-8
Dewey:
E
Dimensions:
29 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
School Library Journal
(Fri May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)
K-Gr 2 In this realistic story, Xiao Le (pronounced Shall La) and his mother travel to visit his sick grandmother. At first, the preschooler is afraid of the woman, but throughout the day they develop a close bond. Later, at home, his mother tells him that Grandma has moved into heaven. Although Xiao Le's reaction is extremely matter-of-fact and childlike, he has deep empathy for his mother's grief, reminding her of happy memories and meaningful symbols of Grandma's life. Eventually, Xiao Le makes the natural connection between his Grandma leaving and the idea that his mother might leave, too. "Then all of a sudden he thought of something very important, 'Mom, don't go there to have afternoon tea with Grandma! Just stay here and drink tea with me, okay?'" and his mom reassures him, "'Heaven is too far to reach by train.'" Connections with the natural world are ingrained in both art and text; the moon reminds Xiao Le of Grandma frying an egg in heaven, and the rain reminds him of her washing clothes. The beautifully rendered watercolor illustrations are warm, realistic, and deeply human, with images of animals and plants prominent in each spread. American parents may be alarmed when Xiao Le helps by feeding his grandmother pills, but this small cultural difference shouldn't detract from the overall quality of the story. VERDICT This is a refreshing contemporary meditation on death and grief set outside the United States. The gentle story and luminous illustrations make a strong addition to most collections. Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN
Xiao Le's grandmother lives in a faraway village. A visit with Grandma is always a special event, but this time she is frail. With encouragement from his mom, Xiao Le plays with and helps Grandma. When Grandma dies shortly thereafter, Xiao Le comforts his mom—reminding her that when it rains, Grandma is washing her clothes in the sky . . . and that although the Perfume Village in heaven cannot be reached by train, it can be accessed by the heart. Fang Suzhen’s moving story, with stunning illustrations by Sonja Danowski, is a powerful reminder that love transcends all.