The jade bracelet

A girl slowly internalizes the meaning behind a special gift in this quietly moving picture book that's inspired, per an endnote, by a bracelet the author was given as a child. On her birthday, young Tiên receives a jade bracelet from Má, who explains that when she herself was little, she obtained one from Tiên's late grandmother, Bà Ngoa.i. Tiên recalls Bà Ngoa.i's coming from Vietnam to live with the family ("She would sing sweet lullabies," Dinh writes), but despite the memory, Tiên's bracelet, so different from those worn by other girls at school, embarrasses her. After a picture-day incident draws attention to the item, being given the option to choose another bracelet helps the child consider the legacy of the object dangling from her wrist. Using washes of watercolor and crisp colored pencil, Kang neatly depicts the translucent bracelet's beauty amid the family's lived-in home and recollected history. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4--8. (Apr.)

A child realizes that the jade bracelet she received on her birthday is imbued with deep meaning. "Bà Ngoại gave me one when I was little," Má explains. "Now it's my turn to give one to you." Overjoyed, Tiên reflects on her memories with Bà Ngoại, her (now deceased) grandmother who emigrated from Vietnam. She proudly wears the jade to school the next day…until she sees the bracelets that her classmates are sporting--shimmering, sparkling pieces with beads and charms. Her self-consciousness over her "plain, hard-as-a-rock bracelet" boils over. She's embarrassed to wear it on picture day, and after school, she flings the jade on the floor in frustration. Though Má gently explains that the jewelry brings good luck, keeps her safe, and, above all, serves as a connection to their ancestors, Tiên is unconvinced, and Má offers to buy her the butterfly bracelet she's been longing for. When they reach the store, however, Má's words sink in, and Tiên learns to fully appreciate the significance of the jade--and to see its true sparkle. Dinh's contemplative, evenly paced narrative charts Tiên's emotional journey, while Kang's watercolors make inspired use of perspective and blended colors, bringing depth and texture to each tender scene. A quietly charming and sincere exploration of a loving tradition. (author's note)(Picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.