I've always been a fan of short stories that hit you on another level. Words are very powerful and when intermixed with such beautiful illustrations, they only move you more. Absolutely loved this. ( )

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

Absolutely beautiful book, with lovely and touching story. ( )

A lovely book, both in words and pictures.

This is the story of Kalia, a young Hmong refugee and her family. Kalia hears stories from her great-grandmother who grew up in the jungles of Laos and is now living with her grandson and his family in the United States. (She is called grandmother in the book.) Grandmother tells of her encounter with the tiger and of the one tooth still left standing in her mouth and how she has no photos of her parents. Kalia and her siblings take care of Grandmother, bathing her, trimming her fingernails and toenails, and washing her clothes. There's no money for the ice cream truck or a new dress or meat. Finally Kalia asks for braces. Her parents say no, they can't afford them. The book finishes with the grandmother saying "Is not my smile beautiful"
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Summary: The book follows the story of a young girl growing up with her grandmother. Her grandmother is her inspiration and she is so close to her. As she grows up she becomes ashamed of her family but in the end, she realizes how her culture is an important factor in her life and she would not trade it for the world.
Reflection: I love how this book reminds us of how we all grow up with our culture but sometimes stray from it within time. It reminds me of Americanization and how we all become Americanized and soon realize we have strayed from what makes us, us. I love how the main character though becomes in love with her culture and family again in the end. ( )