Every month each of my granddaughters get a book delivered to their home from me. I call it Grammy’s Book Club. I choose books that are not only entertaining, but encourage values such as, honesty, respect, and kindness. Even more so, Grammy’s book club is grounded in my belief that all kids need a healthy, balanced world—full of nature places for them to discover and explore. So, many of these books are nature-themed.

Lucy and Mother Maple, by Emily and Dustin James | Book Review

Lucy and Mother Maple is an engaging book that can be used to start conversations with kids on how they can make a difference in this world. In particular, this book demonstrates the role a child can play in helping the earth. Also, it’s a story that addresses the difficult topic of loss in a nurturing way.

In the beginning of Lucy and Mother Maple an endearing little girl named Lucy, her strong and loving grandpa, and a bountiful farm set the scene. The farm is filled with fruits, vegetables, chickens, sheep, and Buster the goat. Wild flowers, bees, and lady bugs cover the land. Lucy dearly loves her grandpa. She often takes walks with him, and helps him care for the farm animals.

Lucy especially loves trees. Her favorite is a maple named Mother Maple that stands on top of a hill. Lucy thinks she’s 100 feet tall and Grandpa says she’s at least 200 years old. Mother Maple has special water that turns into delicious cider.

As the story progresses, Lucy’s 85-year-old grandpa starts to slow down. Lucy worries about him and does her best to help, feeding the animals and caring for two pet beagles.

One day some people visit claiming to her grandpa that they can help with the farm. He accepts their offer.

Months later they show up and unsettling things begin to happen. The authors’ imaginations shine through in Lucy’s character as she secretly watches the “grumpy” mysterious people build their monster contraptions. Lucy doesn’t believe for a minute that they are helping and soon she knows that her beloved Mother Maple is in danger. She is furious at the people and does what she can to help Mother Maple.

Lucy will capture your heart as she courageously works to protect what she loves. The illustrations by Ricardo Nunez Suarez give life to this touching story, which reminds us that despite the loss of someone or something we love, support is always there, and life regenerates and carries on in many beautiful ways.

This book is good for elementary school kids and adults to read together.