BookDragon Blog

CJ feels the rain, and plaintively asks his nana, “‘How come we gotta wait for the bus in all this wet?’” Doesn’t help that CJ’s friend happens to drive right by with his dad in their own car.

But never, ever underestimate Nana’s wisdom because she knows exactly how to improve perspective: her bright orange umbrella is dry, that big tree over there is soaking up the wet through an invisible straw, and the bus “‘breathes fire, and old Mr. Dennis … always has a trick for [CJ].’”

On their ride across town, Nana offers her “great big smile and a ‘good afternoon’” for all. For every “How come …?”-challenge CJ presents about their weekly Sunday ritual, Nana has just the right caring, gracious, thoughtful, and patient response. CJ’s self-pity-party doesn’t stand a chance as Nana gently, effectively tweaks his outlook. By the time Nana and CJ reach that last stop on Market Street, CJ has shared “the feeling of magic” with his co-riders. Thanks to Nana, he arrives at their destination –marked by crumbling sidewalks and broken-down doors and boarded-up stores – with a new way of seeing: “‘Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful.’” Amen to that!

Award-winning Matt de la Peña’s latest picture book is a throwback gift to readers of all ages. Nana is a harbinger of humanity with lessons for each and every one of us: to look beyond instant conveniences and modern-day toys big and small, to believe in the power of a friendly greeting and an open ear (because then the heart will follow), and to share our own selves more often than all those things. Artist Christian Robinson – who “grew up riding the bus with his nana,” according to his back flap bio – channels his own mobile experiences to capture de la Peña’s “feeling of magic” in rich, bright, saturated colors all around.

Go ahead, take a transforming ride. Like CJ, you, too, will be saying: “‘I’m glad we came.’”

Readers: Children

Published: 2015