A review by jennyfern
How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoe Persico

5.0

This is a lovely middle grade graphic novel about a young girl, Adara, who moves from California to her grandmother's house in Michigan with her dad after her mom passes away. There she attempts to bridge an emotional gap with her father, makes a friend, and learns that she can literally talk to plants. Her mother also had a special connection to plants. But then gaps in communication and misunderstandings cause hurt feelings, and Adara must learn from her mistakes even if they had no ill intent.
I loved the messaging in this book and how nuanced and real it felt, even with the talking plants. It showed how, in a very real way, hurt people can hurt others unintentionally. It was a lovely to showcase this idea using plants because plants cannot (usually) verbally communicate what is wrong with them, so you have to be observant and check in regularly. The art was also nicely stylized and comforting. The colors were lovely.
Overall this was very well thought out and a wonderful way to communicate something that can be difficult to explain to a younger person.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.