My Baba's Garden, written by Jordan Scott and illustrated by Sydney Smith. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2023. $ 24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"We kneel next to 
the tomatoes, 
the cucumbers, 
the carrots, 
the apple tree. 

We pour the worms
onto the soil and cover 
them with dirt until 
the jar is empty.

This is what we do ... "

Everywhere I look today people are planting their gardens, taking care of their yards, and waiting for more rain to boost growth. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing. Perhaps it was that way for Jordan Scott and his Baba. In his new book, Mr. Scott lovingly shares memories of his beloved Polish grandmother and the many times they spent together. 

"My Baba lived alone in the chicken coop and that's 
where we spent most of our time together. She didn't
speak English very well, so much of the time we 
communicated through gesture, touch and laughter. 
We also communicated through our love of food." 

Every morning his father drops him at his Baba's house. He knows he will find her in the kitchen cooking. Her house is filled with the fruits of her labor. The two talk little, but the love between the two is evident and reflected in the sustenance given before her grandson leaves for school. She watches him eat. If it is raining, their walk is slow. 

"My Baba sees worms squirming in gutters
and puddles, worms in rain-rivers floating 
into the road, wet worms with no earth 
beneath them. She picks up all of them and 
puts them in a small glass jar filled with dirt
that she keeps in her pocket."

She returns to walk with him when school is done for the day. Together, they visit Baba's garden and release the worms to the dirt there. Every day the same routines, until Baba can no longer live on her own. Now, before he leaves for school in the morning, he mirrors their morning routine. He brings her breakfast: oatmeal and a sliced apple. He often kisses the apple slice before she eats it, as she did when she was making breakfast for him. When it rains, he goes outside to show her that he remembers ... 

This is a glorious story, told with great love and shared in perfectly selected words. Every moment together is meaningful and quietly memorable. Extending the tale told are Sydney Smith's watercolor and gouache images that are as gentle and moving as the story itself. Filled with light and love, they encourage readers to stop and pay close attention. They paint a portrait of love shared between the two. 

What a joy it is to read this book! It already has a place on our 'keepers' shelf. I will share it many times over.