Jessica J. Lee (1) (1986–)

Truly an enjoyable read. in “A Garden Called Home," written by Jessica Lee and illustrated by Elaine Chen, readers are transported on a journey that crosses continents and generations, exploring the dynamics of family, culture, and belonging. Through the eyes of a young girl and her mother, we are immersed in Taiwan's lush landscapes and bustling streets, where every flower and tree holds a story waiting to be uncovered.

What sets this book apart is its ability to seamlessly blend rich storytelling with breathtaking illustrations that breathe life into every page. As the young girl navigates the vibrant world around her, she learns not only about the wonders of nature but also about the deep-rooted connections that bind her to her mother's homeland.

At its core, "A Garden Called Home" is a celebration of the immigrant experience, weaving themes of identity and heritage into the fabric of the narrative. Through tender moments shared between mother and daughter, readers are reminded of the universal longing for belonging and the enduring power of love to transcend borders and boundaries. There is so much the young daughter learns from her mother but also teaches her mother, reminding us how transformative our relationships can be when we try to lift each other up.

Moreover, the book serves as a reminder of the beauty found in embracing our roots while embracing the possibilities of the new world around us. As the young girl learns to navigate the complexities of cultural identity, she discovers that home is not just a place but a feeling—one that can be found wherever love and connection reside and that her mother can feel at home outside of Taiwan too.

Overall, "A Garden Called Home" is a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages, inviting them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. With its heartfelt narrative and stunning visuals, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression, inspiring readers to cherish the beauty of their own unique journey and the connections that make it all worthwhile. Being a child of immigrant parents I truly resonate with this story, my own mother also finds the most peace with her gardening as a reminder of her home. It was beautiful to see my own experience illustrated in this story so thank you! I can’t wait to read this to my kids one day!… (més)

audio nonfiction - Taiwanese-Canadian family history/memoir (~6 hrs)

Sort of a quiet, contemplative, meditative kinf of read--explores distinctive plants and birds of the island, plus lots of Taiwan history and some Chinese history as relates to the author's maternal grandparents, 1st generation immigrants from China to Taiwan, and later to Canada. I was fairly distracted when I listened to this so probably can't do it justice, but I enjoyed the parts I remember even though it never really grabbed my attention.… (més)

This is a nice book but a bit sad. Winter is coming, snows on the ground, and everything is chilly. A daughter and her mother live in their home and the daughter loves the outside in the snow, but her mom does not. Mom takes her daughter on a vacation to where she grew up, where it’s always warm and sunny. The daughter learns what her mother loves about home and tries to find those same things in their home back in the winter place. As I mentioned before, this was an interesting, read. It’s deep and reflective and leaves room to think and have discussions about families, in particular immigrant families who are making new lives.… (més)