THANK YOU, MIYUKI

Joy emerges in the discovery of small things in the world.

In this third story about effervescent Miyuki and her calm, kind grandfather, Miyuki wants to understand what Grandpa is doing as he dances through tai chi positions and then sits still and quiet. Grandpa guides bouncy Miyuki through the steps of meditation as they walk through the gardens, inviting her to look deeply at the light on the river, the fluffy clouds in the sky, the raindrops, and more. Miyuki, her mind wandering and so unaware of what’s been happening, asks persistently, “when will we meditate?” A compelling double-page spread places a small Miyuki and Grandpa up and off to the side as he reminds her of all that they have contemplated, communicating to young readers that we are but a part of our world—not the whole of it. Soon Miyuki understands and says, “Grandpa, doesn’t it feel good to be here right now?” The stylized nature of these highly patterned, textured illustrations plays with size and scale, light and color, to immerse readers in the delight and peace inherent in meditation, contemplation, and reflection. Galliez and Ratanavanh once again capture the simplicity of Miyuki’s inner journey, and in so doing they invite young readers, especially those as vivacious and colorful as young Miyuki, to take part in meditation.

A tale that blooms in its realism and message of kindness and love.