A Review of Eighteen Flowers for Grandma – Read Your World 2025
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EIGHTEEN FLOWERS FOR GRANDMA:
A Gift of Chai
Written by Alison Goldberg
Illustrated by Jesse White
(Red Comet Press; $19.99, Ages 4-7)
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REVIEW:
Eighteen Flowers for Grandma: A Gift of Chai, written by Alison Goldberg and illustrated by Jesse White, will put a smile on readers’ faces. It’s a feel-good story like her previous picture, I Love You for Miles and Miles. Though the premise is simple, it’s meaningful and should resonate with many young children.
Sadie enjoys spending art day with Grandma. It’s a time they not only bond but also try all types of creative things together since Grandma “likes to use many different materials.”
Grandma is working on her final assignment, painting peonies before she graduates college. During their time together, Grandma uplifts her granddaughter with encouraging words that instill confidence. One of my favorite lines follows Sadie pointing out that they are both wearing necklaces that say “chai,” meaning “life” in Hebrew. Such a thoughtful Kindergarten graduation gift from Grandma. As they create art, Grandma wishes Sadie a life full of wonder and then says, “Never stop learning and trying new things.” I never had that kind of experience with my grandmothers, and I was happy that Sadie did. I can only imagine the positive influence such a strong relationship fosters.
Readers learn that the word chai is spelled with the eighth and tenth letters of the Hebrew alphabet, which add up to 18, making 18 a lucky number. In Judaism, we often give gifts in denominations of 18, and when we toast and say, “L’chaim,” that means, “To life!”
With her Grandma graduating from college, Sadie wants to give her a special gift of chai. Such a beautiful sentiment! Sadie searches all over to find something to give, but she has no luck. Using the number chai as her inspiration, Sadie decides she’ll create a present using flowers only every attempt lets her down. “These flowers just aren’t Grandma enough.” White’s lovely art helped me totally understand that feeling. Nothing was really shouting Grandma’s name so to speak.
At last, a colorful and unique idea strikes. Sadie is inspired by Grandma quoting artist Chagal about flowers: “They’re life itself, in all its happy brilliance.” Finding just the right gift that will show her love and be “Grandma enough” may have taken a while but the message it conveys holds a special significance for Grandma.
White uses illustrations of cut paper, a “traditional form of Jewish folk art,” to add to the cheerfulness of the art, which is presented in a muted palette of grays, golds, greens, whites, and pinks. The author’s note in the backmatter explains that this picture book was inspired by Goldberg’s grandmother, who graduated college at age 78. What a story-worthy accomplishment! There is also a brief glossary and a useful guide to the Hebrew alphabet. I recommend this intergenerational story that blends art, family, and tradition while celebrating the joys and timelessness of creativity.
Read Your World 2025 (1/30/25) is in its 13th year!
Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission and history HERE.
Read Your World is honored to be Supported by the below Sponsors:
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)
Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
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Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!
Authors: Stephanie M. Wildman, Martha Seif Simpson, Anna Jennings, Gwen Jackson, Afsaneh Moradian, Joaquín Camp, Rahana Dariah, Ziggy Hanaor, Josh Funk, Nancy Tupper Ling, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Gea Meijering, Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Story Time, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Cynthia Levinson, Diana Huang, Rochelle Melander, Lisa Chong, Lisa Stringfellow, Brunella Costaglioga, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Rachel C. Katz, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Shifa Safadi, Lisa Rogers, Sylvia Liu, Eva Clarke, Crystal Murakami, Teddi Ahrens
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FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day
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Read Your World 2025