Sourgrass

Sourgrass is the bittersweet tale of two inseparable friends who are parted by a long-distance move. May and Sophia have many memories together as they play each day. On one special adventure, they find sourgrass and spit out the sour-tasting grass as they giggle over the taste. As the sourgrass returns the next year Sophia is happy to receive a letter and the illustrations show a promise of a new friend to share Sourgrass with. The illustrations are whimsical and dreamlike using rosy-toned colors that complement the bittersweet nature of this tale. I like the theme of friendship and unity between these girls. Overall, this is a sweet picture book great for any friend who is feeling the pain of separation and needs the message of hope for a new friend to come.

SOURGRASS is a lovely picture book about friendship and promises. Sofia and May are next-door neighbors and best friends. They play together in their yards and the fields beyond, especially enjoying the sourgrass plants that grow there. May tells Sofia that her mother says that sourgrass always keeps its promise by returning every year.

When May moves away, Sofia is sad, but they keep in touch through mail. However, there passes some time where May does not move back. As Sofia feels sad, she notices a sourgrass flower, which makes her think of promises kept. She knows that May will keep her promise, and at the end of the story, we see her with a letter from May.

What I loved: This was such a lovely story of friendship, moving away, and keeping promises. With soft and lush illustrations, the story has a dreamlike quality that brings the reader into the characters' world of play. Friendship can be challenging, especially when separated by distance, but Sofia and May maintain their friendship with letters and the promise to keep writing. This is highly encouraging and sweet for young ones who may be facing losing their own friends or being separated by a move. Great for elementary school aged readers, the story unfolds smoothly and matches the soft feeling of the imagery.

The illustrations also have other fun details to explore, such as the mouse and duck who appear on each page for readers to watch and consider, as well as the potential new friend who appears in the gate between yards at the end. Little ones will enjoy exploring these further as they read the book again and again.

Final verdict: SOURGRASS is a lovely picture book about friendship, promises, and moving that will resonate with young readers. Lush illustrations and gently flowing text make this a heartfelt read that elementary schoolers can really get into.