UNTIL THE BLUEBERRIES GROW

In this picture book, a Jewish child and his Zayde enjoy their last year as neighbors before the man has to move to a smaller home.

It’s hard work keeping up a yard when you get to be Zayde’s age, even if you love gardening. But when light-skinned, golden-haired Ben takes the hand of his mustached great-grandpa and asks him to stay in his big house until the blueberries grow, Zayde promises he will. When the juicy berries are dripping down their chins and Zayde’s toes are in the grass, Ben asks him to stay until the grapes are ripe. And when the grapes are ripe, the boy extends his request until the snow falls. Facial expressions and dialogue skillfully convey Zayde’s own reluctance to move on. He knows a new phase is approaching and gives himself and Ben time to adjust to an inevitable change. Cold is hard on older bones in a large house, but Zayde stays until spring, when the family gathers for a seder. Finally, Zayde must sell his house and relocate to a new space (“It’s like a hotel”), where Ben brings him blueberries that they still enjoy together. Kam’s engaging tale gently emphasizes the limited time that Ben and Zayde have with each other. Walker’s digital paintings in warm tones with ample textures deftly depict identifiable plants and foods and give a sense of Zayde’s aesthetic preferences and personality.

This sweet story of family abounds with food, flowers, and quality time with loved ones.