A moving children’s book about the love grandparents and grandchildren share, however far apart…the language is simple and ever so sweet in When I See the Sun, You See the Moon. It’s a quick, eartwarming story that’s quite perfectly suited for grandparents to read to their grandchildren, either in person or on a video call from far away.

When I See the Sun, You See the Moon gives picture book readers and read-aloud adults the thought-provoking story of a granddaughter and grandmother who live “an ocean apart.” The distance between MimiChi, who lives in Japan, and her Nona, who lives in the United States, seems vast. But as the story unfolds, filled with simple, colorful illustrations by Mary Wahr, connections between the two, cemented by love, evolve to emphasize that distance does not diminish love. The daily rituals each performs with the other in mind help reinforce to young listeners and readers the fact that love can grow despite distance: MimiChi blows kisses outside and asks the wind to carry them to Nona. Nona sings their favorite songs and sends them back on the wind to MimiChi. The result is a lovely dialogue about remote love which can pave the way for effective conversations between adult and child about the ways love can be preserved even though miles physically separate loved ones and families. Elementary-level libraries will find When I See the Sun, You See the Moon easy to recommend to parents seeking picture book stories about absent family members or the impact of a long-distance relationship.

"Grandparents and their grandchildren share a special bond, and this story beautifully highlights how love and connection transcend distance."

"This book is a true love letter from a grandmother to her grandchildren, and I highly recommend it."

“My daughter is five and loves to read. This story was simple enough for her to follow along but in depth enough to really make her think. Even though my mom—my daughter’s MiMi—only lives four hours away, she immediately connected with the story. When the moon appeared, she understood right away that when she sees it, her MiMi can see it too. Every time we reached the Nona part, she would excitedly say, “It’s Nona!” She loved the story ending—it was very meaningful to her.”