Bud Finds Her Gift, written by Robin Wall Kimmerer and illustrated by Naoko Stoop. Allida, Harper. 2025, $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Raising her arms in the new light, Nokomis said: 
"Good morning, Morning. Thank you for the gift 
of this day. Thank you, birds and trees and dew 
and flowers. Thank you for all the gifts we are given.

Bud watched and waited. Then she asked, 
"Will we do the important thing soon?"

Nokomis laughed. "This is the important thing, 
taking time for noticing and saying thank you 
for the gifts of the Earth.""

Bud has a special talent for taking notice of the world around her. Outside, inside, and everywhere she goes she notices that people have important things to do. She feels left out. A visit to her Nokomis gives her a chance to talk with her grandmother about what she is feeling. Nokomis offers advice for doing something meaningful the very next day. 

Anticipation grows as the two set forth in the morning. At the top of the hill, they stand beside a very tall tree. Nokomis raises her arms and offers thanks for all the gifts given: for the day, the birds, the bees, the trees and flowers. Bud is left wondering when they will get to the 'something important'. Nokomis explains that taking time and saying thank you to the earth is it. Bud misunderstands the word 'gifts'. 

Nokomis then explains to her granddaughter that the many gifts from nature are worthy of notice. She tells Bud that the more she takes notice of such things, the more she will appreciate what is there. She encourages Bud to start practicing every day to see what will happen. As Bud uses her senses to take careful note of what is happening around her, life takes on new meaning. She watches in awe of a robin building a nest, and understands that as she helps care for the bird, the robin provides the gift of song to her. Nature is full of one thing happening to make something else possible. By taking the time to watch carefully, Bud's awareness of that interaction grows exponentially. 

"Everyone played a part, giving gifts to one another all the time, 
each gift leading to the next. 
The more Bud noticed, the more thankful she became."

Would it be enough? 

The cozy warmth that exists between Bud and her Nokomis, and within her natural surroundings, is expertly shown in Ms. Stoop's detailed and appealing art. Back matter includes a note from the author, ideas for gifting, and additional resources for further learning.