Other Words for Nonno

Every Saturday, Jill visits with her grandfather Nonno, who has “a funny way with words.” Each week, the two walk through a forest to a lake (“Into the green to get to the blue,” Nonno says), then through town. Among Nonno’s expressions are “sugar-drinker” for a hummingbird and “counting house” for a bank. Ling Kang draws fluid portraits in digitally finished watercolor and pencil—brown-skinned Nonno’s silver hair and alert expression, tan-skinned Jill’s wide-cheeked, wondering gaze. One day, Nonno doesn’t speak, and the girl comes up with a plan to help him think of the words he can’t find. In closely observed text, Cameron portrays problem-solver Jill moving into the role of caregiver, using initiative and creativity to help her grandparent find language for his surroundings—a move he uses to track their connection. Ages 4–7. (Sept.)