How to Talk to Your Succulent, by Zoe Persico. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $18.99 ages 8 and up

"You know what? We're going to make something
delicious. And I can't do it without my little sous-chef.

Are we making what I think we're making? 
How did you know baked ziti is my favorite? 

How could I not? You inhaled my baked ziti the last 
time you visited. 
Your mom knew you'd crave it again, so I did what 
all grandmas do best and taught her my recipe. 

Amazing! We can do baked ziti nights again!"

In a graphic novel that is focused on a young girl's grief, readers meet Adara. Following the recent death of her mother, she and her father make the move to live with her grandmother from California to the 'middle-of-nowhere'. Everything has changed for Adara, and for her father who has a tough time dealing with his feelings about their loss and his resulting inability to talk to his daughter about it. 

Adara's mother loved plants. In hopes of helping her deal with her grief, her father surprises Adara with a trip to a nearby greenhouse where, to Adara's surprise, a lovely purple succulent becomes a friend. The fact that Adara can talk to this plant is startling, but also heartwarming as Adara's mom also talked to plants! Adara is excited to share this news with her father, who dismisses it by telling her that plants may not talk to humans but they certainly communicate. Adara names her plant (a Perle von Nurnberg) Perle and takes her home. That relationship blossoms as does a new friendship with Winnie at school. Winnie is a good and accepting friend who cares about Adara, while also knowing what Winnie herself needs. Scenes between Adara and her grandmother offer some relief as do the conversations with Perle. 

Worthy characters and warm illustrations are rich and telling, offering help with understanding how difficult it can be to be heard while also learning to listen. The deeply felt pain that overwhelms Adara and Perle is shown in panels that are awash in thorns. Adara's father works to make changes to help his daughter; the pain both feel is palpable. A hopeful ending allows readers a way forward from the engulfing sadness. 

Back matter is sure to be appreciated.