Dear Mr. G
By Christine Evans (Author), Gracey Zhang (Illustrator)
Price$17.99
Format Hardcover Picture Book
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Dear Mr. G
by Christine Evans, Gracey Zhang
OVERVIEW
A gentle and moving story about an intergenerational friendship between a young child and their neighbor told through a series of letters, for fans of Ida, Always.
When Jackson’s soccer ball accidentally lands in his neighbor’s rose bush, he thinks he’s ruined Mr. Graham’s roses forever. So he quickly writes a letter to Mr. Graham that blossoms into a marvelous friendship. Jackson writes letters, highlighting the everyday moments to make them feel larger than life, and Mr. G keeps writing back until the very end of his life, encouraging Jackson to live each day to the fullest.
This breathtakingly beautiful epistolary story shows the strength of letter-writing and intergenerational bonds. The text is accompanied by tender and evocative artwork to remind us that even as seasons change, our loved ones always stay in our hearts.
When Jackson’s soccer ball accidentally lands in his neighbor’s rose bush, he thinks he’s ruined Mr. Graham’s roses forever. So he quickly writes a letter to Mr. Graham that blossoms into a marvelous friendship. Jackson writes letters, highlighting the everyday moments to make them feel larger than life, and Mr. G keeps writing back until the very end of his life, encouraging Jackson to live each day to the fullest.
This breathtakingly beautiful epistolary story shows the strength of letter-writing and intergenerational bonds. The text is accompanied by tender and evocative artwork to remind us that even as seasons change, our loved ones always stay in our hearts.
PRAISE
“This book will encourage children to explore unlikely friendships, as well as introduce the topic of grief and loss. It could also serve as an introduction to the benefits of pen pal friendships, from the perspectives of both parties . . . . A moving tale that touches on topics of patience, love, and loss. A worthy purchase for all libraries.” — School Library Journal, starred review“Zhang’s art beautifully illustrates the warmth of their bond, the passing of time, and the ache of loss . . . . A tender, vibrant portrait of intergenerational connection.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Poignant . . . . A sensitive, unusually oblique addition to the shelf of books aimed at helping young people cope with loss.” —Booklist
“Expressive, assured ink and wash artwork by Zhang creates a sense of close community in this story told in correspondence between a child and an older neighbor . . . . Evans shows how written words can help grow friendship in a story that underscores an intergenerational bond’s many gifts.” —Publishers Weekly
“This moving picture book is told through a series of letters between two neighbors.” —BookRiot -
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)
Christine Evans is the author of Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist and Emily's Idea. She is a British expat living in California with her husband and family. She invites you to visit her at pinwheelsandstories.com.
Gracey Zhang is the illustrator of The Big Bath House, Nigel and the Moon, and The Upside Down Hat. Her debut author-illustrator book, Lala's Words, was the winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award. She received her BA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. She invites you to visit her at graceyzhang.com.