A Fond Remembrance: The Other Side of the Garden

 

The Other Side of the Garden by Sili Recio and Elena Djome Lawrence

Illustrated by Brianna McCarthy

A Denene Millner Book

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2026 

32 pages

ISBN: 9781665947060

A young girl and her mother visit the park and her abuela's "new garden." They bring flowers and sometimes a balloon. Beyond the fence is Abuela's old house and garden. The girl longs to visit and dance among the flowers with her grandmother. When she peeks over the fence, the flowers are gone. She searches for a glimpse of Abuela. She remembers every day playing and dancing in the garden, her grandmother's warm hugs and sweet scent. She finds out memories keep her loved one alive.

A beautiful, heartfelt tribute to memories of a loving grandmother who nurtured the young girl, this picture book delivers. Illustrations by Brianna McCarthy are full of life and joy, bringing the memories alive once more. Cover design is outstanding and deserves a standing ovation. 

A must read especially helpful for any child who has lost a loving grandparent. 

Five stars, ages 2 and up. 

Beautiful Illustrations; Triumphant Mouse!

 

The Outermost Mouse

by Lauren Wolk

Illustrated by Kristen Adam 

Dutton Children's Books

an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2026 

140 pages

ISBN: 9780593407776

A tiny mouse lives in a cottage by the ocean. It is beautiful there and the mouse is happy. An old man also lives in the cottage which he has called his home for many years. The mouse and man are content, but the sea is creeping closer and closer still. 

The mouse is worried and turns to the seagulls, some fish and even a sly fox with black boots, but they all go along their merry way. The mouse tries to build a barrier of shells, but the shells are no match for the power of the sea. The man has been readying to leave for awhile. He sees the angry sea and knows it's time. He gathers a few things and abandons the cottage. The mouse is alone, but strong. Her cottage is soon lifted by the surf and it is seaward bound. The mouse ties her tail around a spindle and rides it out, brave and fierce. She may be tiny, but she is mighty. 

For the underdog everywhere: do not doubt yourself. 

Gorgeous illustrations make this the year's best book! This will be the children's book of the year, trust me. I'm never wrong. Lauren Wolk is the reigning storyteller of children's literature for a reason. 

Highly, highly recommended ages 2 and up. A must-have, must-read.