This is a solid, well-intentioned inclusion book that does exactly what it sets out to do: give kids language and permission to ask about differences. Sotomayor's personal connection to the material (her diabetes diagnosis as a child) makes it feel authentic rather than performative.

That said, it's more of a teaching tool than a captivating story. The garden-building framework is sweet but thin—each page introduces a new kid with a different ability or challenge, and the pattern becomes predictable. Kids who love narrative arcs might get bored; kids who need concrete social scripts will thrive.

The illustrations are gorgeous and do heavy lifting in showing rather than telling. If you're a parent or teacher actively working on inclusion and disability awareness, this is a great addition. If you're just looking for a fun bedtime read, it might feel a bit like eating vegetables—good for you, but not exactly a page-turner.