A moving, multigenerational story about love, family roots, and the cycle of lifeWhen Emilia finds a walnut one morning, Grandpa tells her the story behind it: of his journey across the ocean to a new home, with only one small bag and a nut in his pocket. "I planted my little tree in good brown soil, so it would grow strong here forever.""In this house? In this yard?""Shall we go see?" Step by step, Grandpa teaches Emilia how to cultivate her own seed. But as her little nut grows, Grandpa begins to slow down-until one sad day, Emilia has to say goodbye. Emilia's sapling looks as droopy as she feels . . . but she knows just what to do.From acclaimed author and illustrator Ammi-Joan Paquette and Felicita Sala, this tender story is a poignant reminder that the best things grow with time-and that even when they are no longer here, the ones we love are always a part of us.

On hot summer days, the beaches are packed with all kinds of people swimming, splashing, or lying in the sun. But there are other days--magical ones--when the beach is empty. Whoosh The wind tosses up the sand in curling eddies. Kazoom The waves cymbal-crash against the shore. Yes
Days like these are just right for finding mermaids.
Have you ever walked on the beach and looked for shells or or clams? There are creatures, more like you and me, who are even more interesting to look for. Most people don't see them, but they might just not know how to look for signs. That sand dollar--why, that could be a mermaid-size surfboard. Those twisted reeds--a bed for a lovely afternoon mermaid nap. And if you peer closely into the water, you might see a mermaid market.
This is a lovely activity for a fun day at the beach and a way to encourage paying close attention to all the interesting things that can be found on the beach or in the water.