If you miss me

Charlie loves dancing, and her grandmother loves watching her. Occasionally, they dance together at night, beneath the moon. In the fall, Charlie and her parents move to the city. Grandma says, "If you miss me, look at the moon. I will do the same." Sometimes she travels to watch Charlie dance on stage. When she says goodbye or Charlie says that she misses her, Grandma repeats her saying about the moon. When winter comes, Grandma passes away. Charlie finds it hard to concentrate on dance without her. But one evening before a performance, she sees the moon and suddenly understands her grandmother's words. And in her heart, she dances with Grandma once again. Based on Langrand's close relationship with her own grandmother, this heartfelt picture book beautifully depicts the significance that a grandparent's love can hold for a child. The precisely worded text creates a simple, effective narrative, while the digital illustrations use line and color to suggest settings while portraying the main characters and their relationship. A gentle tale of love, loss, and lasting connection.

The moon is a symbol of the special, long-lasting bond between a young dancer and her grandmother. All day Charlie dances, in class and all over town, and Grandma is there to watch. At night, the pair dances together and makes wishes on the moon. When Charlie moves to the city, Grandma tells her, "If you miss me, look at the moon. I will do the same." Grandma visits, and the two talk on the phone--but then Grandma dies. Charlie is lost, but she keeps dancing. On the night of the biggest recital of the year, the moon shines through the theater window, and Charlie knows that Grandma is there dancing with her. The illustrations, relying heavily on vibrant greens, supportive neutrals, and inviting textures, mirror Charlie's emotional journey through the passing of the seasons. Charlie's love of dance is evident throughout, especially in joyful illustrations showing a wide range of dancing styles, including classical ballet, showy tap, traditional Asian dances, and jazzy ballroom. Charlie and Grandma appear to be Asian, with light tan skin and black hair. The spare, descriptive third-person narration follows a linear plot. The message about the moon creating connection is prematurely revealed midway through the story, somewhat diminishing Charlie's recital night epiphany. Nevertheless, for readers experiencing the loss of a loved one, the message will ring true. A simple exploration of intergenerational love that lasts beyond the passing of a grandparent. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.