Regina Hanson

Set amid the rich culture and lush scenery of Jamaica, this moving book offers the hope of rediscovering joy after a loss and pays tribute to the remarkable power of story: to touch, to connect, and to heal.

"Through this gentle story of a Jamaican ‘sit-up’ for a beloved grandmother who has recently died, readers will learn much about the love of family, customs, and foods in the Jamaican culture.... [Y]oung readers will identify with the experience of remembering a loved one.... Velasquez renders his realistic paintings in brilliant jewel tones, capturing the mood.... The story is as sweet as the mango that Nana savored."

"Velasquez's arresting paintings bring the dramatic Jamaican setting...and the expressive characters to life, as Jamaican-born Hanson clearly describes the cultural particulars and connections to African history.... [T]his is a powerful story about a young person’s...own personal goodbye to a beloved grandparent."

"The text offers an opening for discussing mourning rituals and practicing telling stories of lost loved ones."

"Rich, naturalistic, full-color oil paintings…genuine emotion, details of life, and focus on the value of storytelling."