For children navigating feelings about their cultural heritage or a language barrier, this gentle story explores the beauty of connection across generations.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider because of their cultural heritage or a language barrier with a relative. In this gentle story, a young Japanese American girl named Almond visits her grandfather in Japan. They struggle to connect because she speaks English and he speaks Japanese. The story follows their journey from quiet loneliness to deep affection as they discover a shared language through their mutual love of drawing. This book beautifully explores themes of family love, belonging, and the power of non-verbal communication. It's a perfect, comforting read for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating what it feels like to be in-between two cultures.
The book's central theme is cultural and linguistic identity, and the resulting feeling of being an outsider. The approach is gentle, direct, and secular. The resolution is entirely hopeful, emphasizing that connection and love can overcome communication barriers. The feeling of loneliness is presented as a temporary state that can be resolved with empathy and creativity.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for a 5 to 7 year old child in a multicultural or immigrant family who is experiencing frustration or sadness over a language barrier with a grandparent or other relative. It would also resonate with a shy, introverted child who sometimes prefers to communicate non-verbally.
Parent Prep
No preparation is needed. The book can be read cold, as its message is clear and gently delivered through both the text and Allen Say's expressive illustrations. A parent might simply be ready to talk about their own family's different languages or ways of communicating. A parent has just seen their child become withdrawn or frustrated during a video call with a non-English-speaking relative. The child might say something like, "I don't want to talk to Grandma, I can't understand her," or express sadness about the distance they feel from their heritage.
Age Experience
A younger child (4-5) will enjoy the simple, sweet story of a girl and her grandpa becoming friends by drawing pictures. An older child (6-8) will more fully grasp the emotional subtext of loneliness, the challenge of the language barrier, and the beautiful, symbolic idea that art can be a universal language.
What Makes It Special
While many books cover intergenerational bonds, this one's unique focus is on the language barrier itself as the primary obstacle. Unlike books that focus on shared stories or cooking, 'Almond' beautifully champions creative expression (art) as the bridge. Allen Say's masterful, realistic watercolor illustrations carry a huge amount of the emotional weight, showing what words cannot say.
Read plot summary
A young Japanese American girl, Almond, travels to Japan to meet her grandfather. A significant language barrier prevents them from communicating verbally, creating a sense of distance. They discover a shared passion for drawing, which becomes their unique language. Through their art, they forge a deep, loving bond that transcends words, culminating in a shared project of planting an almond tree.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the beginning of the story, Almond and her Jichan (Grandpa) look at each other but can't talk. How do you think that made them both feel? What clues in the pictures tell you that?
2
When they start drawing, the pictures in the book change. What do you notice about the colors and what the characters are doing after they discover their shared hobby?
3
Almond and her Jichan used drawing to become friends. If you couldn't use words, what are some other ways you could show someone you want to be their friend?
4
Why do you think the author chose the name Almond for the main character and the title of the book? What does the almond they plant at the end of the story mean to you?
