Dear Mr. G
Written by Christine Evans
Union Square Kids (April 4, 2023)
When Jackson’s soccer ball accidentally lands in his neighbor’s rose bush, he thinks he’s ruined Mr. Graham’s roses forever. So he quickly writes a letter to Mr. Graham that blossoms into a marvelous friendship. Jackson writes letters, highlighting the everyday moments to make them feel larger than life, and Mr. G keeps writing back until the very end of his life, encouraging Jackson to live each day to the fullest.
This breathtakingly beautiful epistolary story shows the strength of letter-writing and intergenerational bonds. The text is accompanied by tender and evocative artwork to remind us that even as seasons change, our loved ones always stay in our hearts.
“This book will encourage children to explore unlikely friendships, as well as introduce the topic of grief and loss. It could also serve as an introduction to the benefits of pen pal friendships, from the perspectives of both parties . . . . A moving tale that touches on topics of patience, love, and loss. A worthy purchase for all libraries.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“Zhang’s art beautifully illustrates the warmth of their bond, the passing of time, and the ache of loss . . . . A tender, vibrant portrait of intergenerational connection.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Poignant . . . . A sensitive, unusually oblique addition to the shelf of books aimed at helping young people cope with loss.” —Booklist
“Expressive, assured ink and wash artwork by Zhang creates a sense of close community in this story told in correspondence between a child and an older neighbor . . . . Evans shows how written words can help grow friendship in a story that underscores an intergenerational bond’s many gifts.” —Publishers Weekly
“This moving picture book is told through a series of letters between two neighbors.” —BookRiot
