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ladynightwolf's review
5.0
I don’t often review children’s books, but I have to say that The Most Beautiful Thing caught my eye. The cover illustration is gorgeous and my own relationship with my grandmother fueled my desire to check this out.
The story is about a young Hmong American girl whose grandmother was a staple in her life and whom she helped care for and who helped raise her. As it should be in any culture, it is a privilege to be able to take care of one’s elders and hear their stories and history. The book talks about the tales that her grandmother told her when she would ask about the cracked soles of her feet and the little ways she changed herself or things she would do to show respect and love to her grandmother. These short tales and anecdotes mingle with reality of life of the author as a child and are emphasized by the sweeping, colorful illustrations throughout, which takes the reader on a beautiful journey. The writing is very matter of fact and gives a glimpse into the lives of the people involved.
Arguably, the overarching theme of the story is that the most important and beautiful things in life are the things we can inherit from our parents and grandparents. Not just genetically, but the stories that they pass down, the lessons that they can teach us, and the love they both give us and that they plant within us. This is an important lesson that every child should learn, especially now.
The story is about a young Hmong American girl whose grandmother was a staple in her life and whom she helped care for and who helped raise her. As it should be in any culture, it is a privilege to be able to take care of one’s elders and hear their stories and history. The book talks about the tales that her grandmother told her when she would ask about the cracked soles of her feet and the little ways she changed herself or things she would do to show respect and love to her grandmother. These short tales and anecdotes mingle with reality of life of the author as a child and are emphasized by the sweeping, colorful illustrations throughout, which takes the reader on a beautiful journey. The writing is very matter of fact and gives a glimpse into the lives of the people involved.
Arguably, the overarching theme of the story is that the most important and beautiful things in life are the things we can inherit from our parents and grandparents. Not just genetically, but the stories that they pass down, the lessons that they can teach us, and the love they both give us and that they plant within us. This is an important lesson that every child should learn, especially now.
barbarianlibarian's review
3.0
too much for little kids, I feel like this is one of those picture books written more for adults than kids
thelunedeneige_'s review
5.0
This story is beautiful which makes me miss both of my late grandmothers
thatsoneforthebooks's review
5.0
Gorgeous illustrations. Beautiful but heartbreaking love at Hmong refugee life, that so lovingly draws from the author's memories. A loving tribute to family, love, and making the best of things.
crystal_reading's review
5.0
Review copy: Digital ARC via Netgalley
This is a gorgeous picture book memoir featuring the love between the author and her grandmother. Their family came to the US from Laos and is wealthy in love, but not in cash. Kalia is struggling because there are things she'd like to have, but they simply do not have the money to buy them.
Like many of Yang's books, this one is sure to touch the hearts of readers and share the beauty of family love.
Highly recommended.
This is a gorgeous picture book memoir featuring the love between the author and her grandmother. Their family came to the US from Laos and is wealthy in love, but not in cash. Kalia is struggling because there are things she'd like to have, but they simply do not have the money to buy them.
Like many of Yang's books, this one is sure to touch the hearts of readers and share the beauty of family love.
Highly recommended.