How to Talk to Your Succulent - by Zoe Persico

About the Book

"Eleven-year-old Adara and her dad are moving from California to the cold and flat lands of Michigan--and it sucks. After Mom's recent passing, it seems way too soon. Talking to Dad has always been harder than with Mom, but now it's like walking on eggshells. And why did Dad bring so many of Mom's houseplants across the country? Her mother might have been called the 'plant whisperer' back home, but Adara is beginning to wonder if there is something more to it. But when she meets a little succulent named Perle, she unlocks the same magical ability her mother had: talking to plants!"--

Book Synopsis

After the loss of her mother, Adara struggles to communicate with her family about her grief. When a sympathetic ear arises in an unlikely place, Adara can finally find her words -- but can she find the time to listen? A stunning graphic novel for middle-grade readers about family, friendship and magic in unlikely places, for fans of The Witches of Brooklyn and Raina Telgemeier.

Eleven-year-old Adara and her dad are moving from California to the cold and flat lands of Michigan . . . and it sucks. After Mom's recent passing, it seems way too soon. Talking to Dad has always been harder than with Mom, but now it's like walking on eggshells. And why did Dad bring so many of Mom's houseplants across the country? Her mother might have been called the "plant whisperer" back home, but Adara is beginning to wonder if there is something more to it. But when she meets a little succulent named Perle, she unlocks the same magical ability her mother had: talking to plants!

But taking care of Perle isn't as easy as it seems -- the environment isn't suited for her, and Adara doesn't know how to meet her needs. Kind of like the situation Adara herself is in. If only Perle could ask Adara for help . . . and Adara could ask her dad.

With a touch of magic, this debut middle-grade graphic novel explores loneliness, mental health and empathy, and shows how communication, openness and a willingness to listen can help young people -- and older people -- and plants! -- navigate their mental well-being and heal from loss, individually and together.

Review Quotes

"The illustrations, paired with the utterly charming characters, make this book a must-read. Adara's story concludes on a hopeful note, perhaps inspiring readers to let happiness take root. . . . With enchanting artwork and profound storytelling, this ­debut offers windows and mirrors into the grieving process, and will move readers to tears -- in the best way." --STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal

"Poignant moments [and precious scenes] are embedded throughout this graphic novel . . . [T]he luminous illustrations are a delight. A touching story rooted in grief and healing." --Kirkus Reviews

"Persico pairs bold colors, lively botanicals, and visual allegories for grief and disillusionment with swift dialogue and Adara's introspective first-person narration, resulting in a gentle graphic novel about loss and connection." --Publishers Weekly

"Persico's breathtaking artwork distinguishes this from other works tackling similar subjects -- every page blushes with color, enveloping readers in light. . . . Persico's moving story uses the natural world to speak to young grief in a way that transcends words. Readers of all ages will walk away from this book feeling a bit sunnier." --Booklist

"How to Talk to Your Succulent is not the first [graphic novel] to deal with grief, or strained relationships of parents and children. It is, however, outstanding in its sensitivity, bold graphics, and experimentation with fantasy and reality as equal components of a young girl's search for the truth. Persico quietly presents a scenario that defies reality, and then proceeds to immerse the reader in a world where it is utterly plausible. . . . Equally innovative for its graphics and its exploration of emotional vulnerability, this book will bloom with every re-reading." --Imaginary Elevators

"While the story focuses on grieving, growing up, and learning to speak about emotional pain, that always feels ingrained in the natural story arc rather than a lesson to the reader. Hand this book to kiddos to help in normalizing the rollercoaster of emotions that go along with the loss of someone close." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"[A]n emotional and stunning graphic novel that will root deep in hearts and inspire readers to listen to even the quietest of voices." --BookPage

About the Author

ZOE PERSICO is an illustrator with a love for the wild, the wondrous and the whimsical. She enjoys hiking, playing board games and tabletop RPGs, and hunting for good finds at the thrift store. She has done visual development work for Dreamworks, Bento Box Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, and her art has been exhibited at Gallery Nucleus and Light Grey Art Lab. Her publishing clients include Running Press Kids, Little Brown, Frances Lincoln, Feiwel & Friends, Little Golden Books and American Girl. Zoe lives in sunny Florida with a dog named Zombie.