Double Happiness

With an economy of words befitting the award-winning poet she is, Nancy Tupper Ling conveys in verse the emotions of Gracie and Jake, who are unhappy about moving across the country, leaving Nai Nai (Grandmother), Uncle Woo, and Auntie Su. Artist Alina Chau captures the scenes with exquisite illustrations. Nai Nai gives each child an empty box and tells them to gather four items along the way. Immediately, Gracie sees something of Nai Nai's that she will miss. Nai Nai places it in the box. Gracie's next item drifts into her box as she leaves the house. Jake picks up his first treasure at the airport, and then a second, and a third on the plane. They fall asleep and when they awaken they are at their new home. Jake finds something appealing, and now has his 4th treasure. Gracie is unhappy; already missing her loved ones who live by the golden bridge. She adds a drawing to her box, but she needs one more item. At her new home, she digs in a box and finds something satisfying. She brings it to the dinner table for the whole family to enjoy. At bedtime, Gracie unpacks her suitcase and finds a scarf belonging to Nai Nai, still carrying her scent, jasmine. Then the siblings each paint their Treasure Boxes with pictures of things that are happy reminders of the home and people they left behind. Nai Nai's lesson to her grandchildren is to treasure the past and present and embrace the future. If you were given an empty box right now, what treasures would you put in it, and how would you decorate the outside of the box?

The story is told by one of the Chinese American children who are moving away from the large city of San Francisco where their grandparents live to a new home in the country in Massachusetts.where the climate and surroundings are entirely different. Neither child wants to move but their experiences on the way and upon arriving in their new environment change from sadness to happiness. The illustrator has done a beautiful job. As soon as all my family have read the book I will donate it to our city library here in Whitehall MI so that many children can read and enjoy it.

I bought this book for my 3-year-old nephew because I'm a huge fan of the illustrator, and also because he was preparing for a big move. He enjoyed the illustrations and it was a nice introduction to poetry.

The subtle beauty of the language and charming illustrations move the story along in perfect cadence. It gently approaches the topic of children facing a move without talking down to them. I recommend it for anyone dealing with life's many transitions.

A tenderly told tale of transition and tradition, with captivating illustrations, poetic narrative, and memorable characters with whom children of all backgrounds can relate. A heartwarming and joyful read!

Beautiful illustrations and poetry. Loved the San Francisco connection. A sweet story about moving away.

kids enjoyed it!

beautiful pictures