Waiting out a storm by the highway inspires a name for an unborn baby sister in a tender, exquisitely observed tale from the incomparable Bob Graham.The rain is pouring down in buckets, and Francie and her mom are on their way home from Grandma’s. As the little red car pulls into a picnic area to wait out the storm, the windows fog up, and Francie spells out
Dad, Mom, and
Francie with her finger. But the back window is waiting for another name, that of Francie’s soon-to-arrive baby sister. What should they call her? Francie and her mother ponder this as they return to the road. Later, when they stop to fill up with gas, who will notice one mother lost in thought and a small girl dancing? Once again, as only he can, Bob Graham elevates a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment into a sublime tale full of nuance and heart.
[Grace is] a name befitting the quiet solemnity of a story that highlights the everyday wonders of human experience, lovingly depicted in Graham's characteristically humorous, soft ink-and-watercolor illustrations. Amazing.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Somehow, in typical Graham fashion, all the stories matter, and they all build to a moment that Francie “would remember forever”...The message is clear (see also the John Updike quote on the dedication page) but delivered without sentimentality; and the happy ending—a field mouse safe in its burrow; a hot bath for Marcus; a surprise reunion for Francie and her mom; and sunshine for all—feels absolutely right.
—The Horn Book (starred review)
The line and watercolor art has Graham’s familiar casual delicacy, with the precise geometry of trucks, road, and slanting rain contrasting with the dishevelment of the car interior, the curly dark blur of Francie’s hair, and her bottoms-up wiggle into the backseat. Viewers will adore the seek-and-find puzzle of matching textual mention to illustrative detail.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
Graham works his magic yet again. A lyrical and charming tale from an author who specializes in showing the extraordinary in the most ordinary, everyday moments. Perfect for one-on-one and small group sharing.
—School Library Journal
Memorable, expressive characters (Graham has, for decades now, created characters rich in diversity, well before it was a Twitter hashtag) ; a story that makes you think
and have all the many feels; and warm, detailed illustrations: this book has it all.
—Kirkus Reviews (blog)
Family love, human connection, the natural world, the gift of rain and the gift of grace to be found in quiet moments are all part of this simple, lovely book from an award-winning Australian author-illustrator.
—Buffalo News
