How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoe Persico

 

Eleven-year-old Adara and her dad are moving from California to the cold and flat lands of Michigan . . . and it sucks. After Mom's recent passing, it seems way too soon. Talking to Dad has always been harder than with Mom, but now it's like walking on eggshells. And why did Dad bring so many of Mom's houseplants across the country? Her mother might have been called the "plant whisperer" back home, but Adara is beginning to wonder if there is something more to it. But when she meets a little succulent named Perle, she unlocks the same magical ability her mother had: talking to plants!

But taking care of Perle isn't as easy as it seems — the environment isn't suited for her, and Adara doesn't know how to meet her needs. Kind of like the situation Adara herself is in. If only Perle could ask Adara for help . . . and Adara could ask her dad.

With a touch of magic, this debut middle-grade graphic novel explores loneliness, mental health and empathy, and shows how communication, openness and a willingness to listen can help young people — and older people — and plants! — navigate their mental well-being and heal from loss, individually and together.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 Zoe Persico is an author and illustrator with a love for the wild, the wondrous and the whimsical. When she's not creating you can find her playing board games and tabletop RPGs, trying a new recipe, or hunting for good finds at the thrift store. Her publishing clients include Tundra Books, Hazy Dell Press, Little Bee Books, Bloomsbury, Running Press Kids, Little Brown, and Frances Lincoln. Zoe lives in sunny Florida with a dog named Zombie.

 

My Review

 

This is such a beautifully, well illustrated book. The subject is a bit tough, dealing with the death of her mother, and a sudden move across country to live with her Grandmother, Adara is dealing with a lot.
This shows a youngster and family dynamics, in way they can understand. We meet new people, and sometimes relationships are tough.
Adara comes alive when she gets a new succulent plant, but be careful where it is put, the pup is very interested.
This is quite a journey for a young girl, but done beautifully with brightly colored pictures, and a story to go with them. We see the connection between this eleven year old and her beloved mother and plants!
I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.