This is one of those picture books that adults will get misty over while kids absorb the magic of the illustrations. Six starred reviews isn't hype—it's deserved. Minh Lê and Dan Santat have crafted something that feels both specific (Vietnamese grandfather, American-born grandson) and universal (anyone who's struggled to connect across a divide).

The art does the heavy lifting here, reportedly shifting from muted, separate panels to lush, shared dreamscapes as the two bond. It's a visual metaphor that kids will feel even if they can't articulate it. The story never lectures; it just shows two people sitting down, picking up pencils, and finding each other.

If your family navigates multiple languages or cultures, this book will hit like a warm hug. If not, it's still a beautiful lesson in patience, creativity, and the idea that love doesn't need a translator. A must-have.