
A parent might reach for this book when their young child is missing a faraway grandparent or feeling impatient while anticipating a visit. This charming story follows Yumi and her grandma who miss each other so much, they both decide to set off for a surprise visit at the very same time. The result is a silly, circular journey where they keep just missing one another. Taro Gomi's signature simple illustrations and repetitive text make it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It beautifully captures the powerful love between a grandchild and grandparent, validating a child's big feelings of longing while wrapping them in a humorous and joyful adventure. It’s a wonderful way to talk about connection and the funny things that can happen when we try to surprise people we love.
None. This book is exceptionally gentle. The central conflict is a humorous misunderstanding, and the entire story is framed as a positive, loving adventure. The resolution is simple, happy, and immediate.
A 3-year-old who frequently talks about missing a grandparent who lives far away. It is also perfect for a child preparing for a trip to see family, as it frames the journey itself as an exciting adventure. This book suits a child who enjoys simple, repetitive stories with visual humor.
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Sign in to write a reviewNo preparation is necessary. The story can be read cold. Its concept is simple and universally relatable. The illustrations are clear and tell much of the story, allowing even the youngest toddlers to follow the humorous mix-up. The parent hears their child say, "I miss Grandma so much!" or "When will we see Grandpa again?" The child is expressing sadness or impatience about the physical distance from a loved one they adore.
A 2-year-old will enjoy the bold, simple illustrations, the repetition of the phrase "I really want to see you," and naming the different modes of transportation. A 4 or 5-year-old will fully grasp the dramatic irony and find the humor in Yumi and Grandma repeatedly missing each other. Older children will also appreciate the clever problem-solving in the resolution to "meet in the middle."
Unlike many books about missing a loved one which can focus on sadness and coping strategies, this story transforms that longing into a proactive, funny, and joyful adventure. Its parallel storytelling structure is unique, empowering the reader with more knowledge than the characters, which creates a delightful sense of playful suspense. The book's focus is not on the sadness of distance but on the powerful, action-oriented nature of love.
A little girl, Yumi, and her grandmother miss each other so much that they simultaneously decide to travel to each other's homes for a surprise visit. The book follows their parallel journeys by bus, train, and taxi, comically showing them crossing paths and narrowly missing one another at every stage. After arriving at empty houses, they finally connect by phone and, laughing at their mix-up, agree to meet in a park halfway between their homes for a joyful reunion.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.