By Carly Smith
A Gift for Nana is a sweet, heartwarming tale about a rabbit on the hunt for the perfect gift for his nana. In the book, a young rabbit decides to go on an adventure after a discussion with a crow to find a gift for his nana that’s just right. On his journey, the rabbit comes across a moon, a stickler, a fish, a volcano, and a cave. Each encounter prompts a thought or memory of his nana and helps the rabbit reminisce about his relationship with her. It’s clear that they have a very special connection. Finally, after a long search and much contemplation, the rabbit finds what he thinks is the perfect gift and proudly returns to bring it to his nana.
This beautifully illustrated picture book is a sweet story to read when a little one misses their grandparent, if they have an extra special connection with a grandparent or elderly person, or as a bedtime book when a grandparent is the grownup in charge. Smith, who both authors and illustrates this book, uses a unique style of art to complement the storyline; the pictures are somewhat scratchy, and lines aren’t always clear. This is a refreshing change from children’s book illustrations that are often very clear-cut or cartoony. This captivating and uncommon technique really adds to the adventure element of the plot.
Although the message of the story and the illustrations are attractive, there are components of A Gift for Nana that I revisited several times with the intention of better understanding. Firstly, I found the writing to be choppy at times. When reading it both in my head and aloud to my child, I frequently fumbled at the syntax—it often seemed that words were missing or arranged oddly. Secondly, I think there could have been a more appropriate choice for font, text layout, size, and colour. The text choices seemed somewhat haphazard, and the effort it took to track sentences and read the words detracted from the actual experience of enjoying a picture book.
A Gift for Nana will bring smiles to the faces of those experiencing the book, whether reading or listening. In an academic setting, this book is excellent for helping young students infer and use their imagination. It is a great choice for little ones who have a special connection with someone who may be older than a traditional parent or guardian, such as a grandparent or great grandparent, great aunt or uncle, or elderly neighbour. A touching tale, A Gift for Nana will leave readers’ hearts full and their imaginations fuller.
Thank you to Random House Kids for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.