A GARDEN CALLED HOME

Mama dislikes the cold, but her child is determined to help her appreciate winter.

The child watches from the window, rapt, as snow falls. But Mama, bundled in her quilted jacket, “doesn’t like the winter.” The child, who narrates, adds, “She never wants to go outside.” Mama misses the mild winters and humid climate of her homeland, but the protagonist has never been there and knows it only from Mama’s bedtime stories. But this winter, they’ll be visiting Mama’s sister. As the two arrive in Mama’s homeland (though it isn’t explicitly named in the text, backmatter makes clear that it’s Taiwan), the child sees rolling hills golden with sunshine and thinks, “No wonder Mama doesn’t like winter!” A packed schedule eventually leads mother and child up the mountains. Mama also teaches her child about the vegetables they eat on Uncle’s farm. When they return home, Mama stays indoors, bundled up. Meanwhile the child does some research and finds a way to bring Taiwan to Mama. Touched by the little one’s dedication, Mama brightens. Charming cartoon illustrations are infused with a warm glow, even during wintry scenes. The narrator’s growing appreciation for nature and love for Mama shine throughout the concise, matter-of-fact text. A guide to the plants mentioned follows.

An endearing tale about the importance of fostering love and connection—no matter where home is.