Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--In this touching story, a young girl learns that she will be comforted by helping others. Losing a loved one is difficult. Many Christians commemorate those who have passed on All Souls Day, which falls on November 2. That is what Mara and her grandparents Popi and NeNe do. On that day, they walk from house to house and sing to neighbors who have lost loved ones. But this year is different because Mara's Popi passed away. It's difficult for Mara to comprehend, but her grandmother tells her Popi would want them to do this. They sing to neighbors who have lost people or pets. As Mara sees the tears and pain on NeNe's face, she understands how much her grandmother misses her husband and realizes that she can help her grandmother make it through this tough day. The illustrations start the story with a cold feeling, but by the end, they are a bit warmer and lighter. VERDICT A good book to have on hand in the library or classroom.--Barbara Spiri
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Review by Horn Book Review
According to an end note, "All Souls' Day...is commemorated around the world...each year on November 2." In this moving picture book, young Mara accompanies her grandmother (Nene) on their annual tradition of serenading their neighbors, for the first time since her beloved grandfather Popi's recent death. Deep in grief, Mara at first minimizes others' losses (deaths of pets; a death five years earlier) compared to her and Nene's. Nene tells Mara that grief can't be measured or ranked, but she becomes sadder with every house. Mara takes Nene home and heads back out to finish the task. Heartwarmingly, when she returns, the neighbors have gathered outside and are now serenading them. The illustrations, with echoes of Eastern European folk art, use a palette of grays and purples to reinforce the wintry setting and somber tone. (c) Copyright 2024. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A child learns to keep her late grandfather's tradition alive. Accompanied by her dog, young Mara grows up singing with her grandfather (Popi) and grandmother (Nene) every year for All Souls' Day, a celebration of the departed. When Popi dies, Mara expects Nene to focus on him, not on the other deaths that still are remembered in their neighborhood. "Popi would want us to continue his tradition since others suffer, too," Nene tells Mara. Mara tries to understand as they walk through the snow, from home to home, singing to neighbors. The child's frustration mounts as they serenade families who have lost pets ("I love animals too, but what about Popi?") and a father who lost his son in the war ("He died five years ago. Popi died this year"). "It is not for us to judge whose loss is the greatest," Nene tells Mara. When Mara realizes that her grandmother's effort is taking a toll, she goes off on her own, recruiting members of the community to come together and sing Popi's song for Nene. Though tinged with melancholy, this story of the legacy that the departed leave the living is threaded with tenderness and hope. Swann relies on deeply saturated purple and blue hues, with airy swirls filled with musical notes expressing Popi's song. Mara and her family are brown-skinned; their community is diverse. A heartfelt expression of love in the face of grief. (information on All Souls' Day)(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
