A Gift for Nana

By Lane Smith 
Random House Studio, 2022
Picture book, 40 pages, ages 4-8

A small rabbit goes on a quest – through a forest, across the water, and over the mountains – to find the perfect gift for his grandmother. But nothing – not a smile from the moon, a stick from a stickler, or a cup of water from a big, big fish – is quite the perfect gift for his Nana.

At the end of his quest, Rabbit finally finds a gift worthy of his Nana … but is it really the perfect gift for her?

Even though the ending is somewhat expected, the lush storytelling and textured mixed media illustrations make this an enjoyable read. The text is by turns funny, inventive, and evocative. The story is expertly paced. Tone and value are masterfully employed in the illustrations to visually tell the story.

There are a few hiccups in this otherwise fantastic intergenerational book. The size and font variations in the text enhance the reading, except for in a few spots where it detracts from the readability. While I really enjoy most of the language and word play, some of Rabbit’s thoughts feel too mature for a child, more like how an adult would think.

Will kids like A Gift for Nana? Probably most kids will, if for nothing else than the adventure aspect. As a kid, I would have liked it, but it might not have been in my regular reading rotation. It might appeal more to grandmas than kids.

A Gift for Nana by Lane Smith: 4½  Stars