The House of Grass and Sky

K-Gr 2–Just like people have memories of the places where they spent their childhoods, this old house is full of memories of families who lived there. It stands firm as the world changes around it. Families come and go until one day, the house stands empty and quiet. As readers turn the pages, the joyful summer scenes change, and with that comes remembrances of bygone days tinged with nostalgia for past families—especially the children—and reflection. The text is simple but makes readers pause, reflect, and think of their own memories and the places that provided them warmth and shelter. Vibrant but gentle illustrations done in monoprinting, watercolor, and digital collage are mesmerizing as well as tactile. There is the wind blowing, the warmth of sunshine, the laughter of children, and the scent of cake fresh out of the oven. Eventually, a family whose members have skin tones in various shades of brown. Even when the house is empty, both illustrations and text are reassuring.