Thank You, Miyuki, written by Roxane Marie Gaillez and illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavahn. Princeton Architectural Press, Raincoast. 2020. $23.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Miyuki flutters away quick as a butterfly
to make some tea. 
She moves so fast she startles the sleeping 
birds on her painted porcelain tea set. 
But Grandpa doesn't hear her clattering."

Miyuki returns for a third visit with readers who have come to know the exuberant, delightful girl in earlier picture books - Time for Bed, Miyuki (2018) and Patience, Miyuki (2019). She and her grandfather are together again. 

It is early morning and Grandpa is busy with his tai chi practice. Miyuki wants to be just like him. After trying, she falls and then complains. Her grandfather continues. Miyuki has no patience for him to finish. He explains that he is doing tai chi in order to take care of himself. Miyuki offers tea; off she goes in a rush to make it. Upon returning, her grandfather is quietly sitting in meditation. Miyuki asks him to teach her to do the same. 

She is anxious. Grandpa is patient, leading her into the garden and quietly showing her the many wonders of nature as they walk. Together, they take note of all they see, even the river's water as they approach it. They lie on the ground to watch the clouds, all the while Grandpa suggesting his beloved granddaughter pay attention. 

"When little raindrops begin to fall, 
Grandpa doesn't move. Laughing, 
he opens his mouth to taste them, 
and Miyuki does, too." 

There is such joy in the time they spend together. When she asks once more when they will take time to meditate, he gives a loving and eye-opening response to the little girl. Everything they have experienced throughout their afternoon together has been part of their practice. Miyuki is satisfied. 

“Grandpa, doesn’t it feel good to be here right now?” 

The gorgeous, textured artwork uses size change, light and color, and peaceful surroundings to immerse readers in the beauty of the garden and the gentle journey taken by grandfather and granddaughter. Magical and soothing, this book is a treasure to be read often.