Kids Review: Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness (Gracey Zhang)

61HyePqwBjL.jpg

61HyePqwBjL.jpg

About This Book:

From debut author-illustrator Gracey Zhang comes a timeless and timely picture book that celebrates the unassuming power of kind words.
Oh, there goes Lala! She carries a pot of water around the corner, down the block, and over the fence, to a patch of dirt and concrete where tiny weeds sprout. “Hello, hello, friends!” she whispers. Lala waters the plants every day, but it is her kind words that make them sway and nod.

Lala’s wild nature and quiet compassion enchant in this evergreen story about the power of kind words and the magic of being loved for who you are.

 

*Review Contributed by Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*

Picture book about kindness
 
LALA’S WORDS is the story of a young girl who loves spending time with some plants and speaking to them. Her mother scolds her for getting messy and for not being quiet, but Lala loves her plants and spending time with them. After her mother keeps her inside for a day, she wakes up to find that her friends have grown to visit her. Her mother is surprised and finally realizes how special Lala is.

What I loved: The illustrations were intriguing with lots of details and a careful use of color. They showcased the plants and their growth. The story shows the power of kind words in those that Lala gives to the plants. They are juxtaposed with those of Lala’s mother. I appreciated these simple lessons told through this straight-forward story.

What left me wanting more: I really did not like the way Lala’s mother treated her nor the quick change at the end, that she could only love her daughter or recognize the good in her when something miraculous happens. This does not send a great message to young readers about the way they should be treated or the miracles they must perform to receive love. I think this could have been toned back to still show the important theme of Lala’s kind words.

Final verdict: Overall, LALA’S WORDS is a picture book that shows the power of kind words.

 

*Find More Info & Buy This Book HERE!*