The Other Side of the Garden

This gentle picture book offers a compassionate exploration of grief for young readers, following a child's journey through her grandmother's garden after Abuela's passing. Through lyrical prose and warm illustrations, the story validates the complex emotions children experience when facing loss, showing how familiar places can feel different when someone we love is no longer there. The narrative thoughtfully acknowledges the physical absence—the unanswered calls, the changed landscape—while gradually revealing how memories can provide comfort.

What makes this story particularly valuable is its authentic cultural perspective, weaving Afro-Dominican family traditions into the universal experience of mourning. The garden becomes a powerful metaphor for growth, continuity, and the enduring nature of love, helping children understand that relationships transform rather than disappear entirely. Parents seeking resources to discuss death and remembrance will find this book provides both emotional resonance and practical conversation starters, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of peaceful acceptance about carrying loved ones in our hearts.