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Lala's Words: A Story of Planting Kindness Hardcover – Picture Book, July 6, 2021

by Gracey Zhang (Author, Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 75 ratings
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Winner of the 2022 Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award!

From debut author-illustrator Gracey Zhang comes a timeless and timely picture book that celebrates the unassuming power of kind words.

Oh, there goes Lala! She carries a pot of water around the corner, down the block, and over the fence, to a patch of dirt and concrete where tiny weeds sprout. "Hello, hello, friends!" she whispers. Lala waters the plants every day, but it is her kind words that make them sway and nod.

Lala's wild nature and quiet compassion enchant in this evergreen story about the power of kind words and the magic of being loved for who you are.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 8 years
  2. Print length
    48 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD520L
  6. Dimensions
    8.75 x 0.75 x 11.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    Orchard Books
  8. Publication date
    July 6, 2021
  9. ISBN-10
    1338648233
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1338648232
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

A gorgeous celebration of the power of words

Publishers Weekly starred review

wholly original and magnificent

Fresh and lovely and hasn't been seen before

A verdant tale of leaves, language, and most importantly, love

Lala's enthusiasm blossoms on the page

Like an encouraging word, Gracey's vibrant pictures will lift you up

Editorial Reviews

Review

A Junior Library Guild selection

Praise for Lala's Words:

Winner of the 2022 Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award!

"Zhang's style, blending warmhearted mltiethnic urban caricature with a bold-lined rough-and-tumble zeal, is wholly original. And like the compliment Lala pays her soon science-fiction-size plants, this debut picture book (which also depcits a burgeoning mother-daughter relationship) is 'magnificient.'" -- New York Times Book Review

"This is the enchanting story about the power of words." -- Booklist

"Lala’s enthusiasm blossoms on the page." -- Kirkus Reviews

“A verdant tale of leaves, language, and most importantly, love.”― Molly Idle (author-illustrator of Pearl; Flora and the Flamingo)

“Much like an encouraging word, Gracey’s vibrant pictures will lift you up.” -- Christian Robinson (author of Another; illustrator of Last Stop on Market Street)

“A touching fantasy rooted in reality. Gracey’s art recalls children’s books masters . . . Ludwig Bemelmans, Roger Duvoisin, David Small. Yet it is fresh and lovely and hasn’t been seen before." -- LeUyen Pham (illustrator of Bear Came Along; Grace for President)

“Lala’s Words is really about magic; a special kind of magic called kindness. Like the sunlight and falling rain, kindness nourishes the world around us. This book, with its lovely art and whimsical story, will also nourish the reader.” -- The Fan Brothers (author-illustrators of Ocean Meets Sky; The Night Gardener)

About the Author

GRACEY ZHANG is an illustrator and animator with a love of storytelling and verse. She is the author and illustrator of Lala's Words and the illustrator of The Big Bath House, Nigel and the Moon, and The Upside Down Hat. She was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, and received her degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. Gracey is now based in Brooklyn, New York, where she can be found window watching from the train when she's not scribbling away at her desk. You can visit her at graceyzhang.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orchard Books (July 6, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1338648233
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1338648232
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD520L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.75 x 0.75 x 11.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 75 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Gracey Zhang

Gracey Zhang

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Gracey Zhang is a Canadian illustrator, author, and animator living in Brooklyn, New York. Her author/illustrator debut picture 'Lala's Words' received the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award. Her clients have included The New York Times, VICE, CBC Radio, and NBC News. She enjoys making books and stories for all ages, children, adults, and those in between.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
75 global ratings
An adorable children’s fiction book
5 Stars
An adorable children’s fiction book
“Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness” is an adorable children’s fiction book that depicts love, hope, and kindness and was a sweet book to read.Firstly, kudos to the author for writing and illustrating the book. Considering that this is the author’s debut picture book, I thought she executed it wonderfully. The story is simple yet charming because a reader of any age would relate to it. There is a bit of Lala inside all of us, waiting to burst free and explore the world. Although targeted for children, even adults reading the story would connect with the tale because it gives us hope. It is never too late to chase after your dreams and do what makes you happy.Lala is a sweet girl who loves her plants and weeds. However, her mother stops her from going outside as she keeps getting dirty. The author gets creative with the storyline as we discover what happens when Lala cannot leave the house. Although the story emphasis a love for nature and plants, I feel anyone would enjoy the story even if they are not a nature enthusiast.Moreover, I loved the illustrations. The images are simple yet effective because of the beautiful contrasting colors the author uses. The backdrop is entirely grey to emphasize how dull the world can become when we don’t have any fun. Lala and her loved ones are the only characters in color, and I loved how the author depicted this in the book.Overall, I adored “Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness” and hope the author continues to write many more such picture books, as she has a beautiful talent for them.
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Top reviews from the United States

RS
5.0 out of 5 stars I do a lot with nature in my classroom!
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
I purchased this book along with another book by the same author that’s coming out. The story makes me feel that the author was sent outside, quite a bit as a kid, but learned how to enjoy nature.
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Mom.of.3
5.0 out of 5 stars Kind Words
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2022
Verified Purchase
My daughter loves this book. She is like LaLa and can't sit still and loves to run and play. Just like the plants, she thrives when kind words are bestowed upon her. Sensitive souls will deeply connect with this book when it's read to them.
3 people found this helpful
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Georges Cisse
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story and imagery
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
A powerful story on the impact of words and love. Thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I’m sure any little would also enjoy it. 10/10 would recommend.
2 people found this helpful
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angiesue
4.0 out of 5 stars Kindness is the best
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2021
I loved Lala! Such a sweet and kindhearted little girl! I was not a fan of her mom but she redeemed herself in the end. Lol! I read this book to my 3 month old grandson and he loved the black and white pages! He was just waving his little arms and slapping the pages. I will be giving this book to my son to read to my 4 year old grandson. I think he will enjoy the story. We need to do everything we can to sow kindness into our young children.
2 people found this helpful
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Fran
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, original and heartwarming
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
A very heartwarming story that reminds me of books my parents read to me as a child. Highly recommend for parents with children ages 3-5.
One person found this helpful
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Rajiv
5.0 out of 5 stars An adorable children’s fiction book
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2021
“Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness” is an adorable children’s fiction book that depicts love, hope, and kindness and was a sweet book to read.

Firstly, kudos to the author for writing and illustrating the book. Considering that this is the author’s debut picture book, I thought she executed it wonderfully. The story is simple yet charming because a reader of any age would relate to it. There is a bit of Lala inside all of us, waiting to burst free and explore the world. Although targeted for children, even adults reading the story would connect with the tale because it gives us hope. It is never too late to chase after your dreams and do what makes you happy.

Lala is a sweet girl who loves her plants and weeds. However, her mother stops her from going outside as she keeps getting dirty. The author gets creative with the storyline as we discover what happens when Lala cannot leave the house. Although the story emphasis a love for nature and plants, I feel anyone would enjoy the story even if they are not a nature enthusiast.

Moreover, I loved the illustrations. The images are simple yet effective because of the beautiful contrasting colors the author uses. The backdrop is entirely grey to emphasize how dull the world can become when we don’t have any fun. Lala and her loved ones are the only characters in color, and I loved how the author depicted this in the book.

Overall, I adored “Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness” and hope the author continues to write many more such picture books, as she has a beautiful talent for them.
Customer image
Rajiv
5.0 out of 5 stars An adorable children’s fiction book
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2021
“Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness” is an adorable children’s fiction book that depicts love, hope, and kindness and was a sweet book to read.

Firstly, kudos to the author for writing and illustrating the book. Considering that this is the author’s debut picture book, I thought she executed it wonderfully. The story is simple yet charming because a reader of any age would relate to it. There is a bit of Lala inside all of us, waiting to burst free and explore the world. Although targeted for children, even adults reading the story would connect with the tale because it gives us hope. It is never too late to chase after your dreams and do what makes you happy.

Lala is a sweet girl who loves her plants and weeds. However, her mother stops her from going outside as she keeps getting dirty. The author gets creative with the storyline as we discover what happens when Lala cannot leave the house. Although the story emphasis a love for nature and plants, I feel anyone would enjoy the story even if they are not a nature enthusiast.

Moreover, I loved the illustrations. The images are simple yet effective because of the beautiful contrasting colors the author uses. The backdrop is entirely grey to emphasize how dull the world can become when we don’t have any fun. Lala and her loved ones are the only characters in color, and I loved how the author depicted this in the book.

Overall, I adored “Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness” and hope the author continues to write many more such picture books, as she has a beautiful talent for them.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
3 people found this helpful
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MJ
5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE !!
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2021
I am so impressed by the images in this story and they almost speak more than the brief words.  Using only shades of green, black, and yellow, the drawings are perfectly paired with the captions.  They emphasize how much energy Lala has in that way Schultz illustrated Peanuts. There is no perfection, only movement in these images.  

Lala has a love and she wants to share it with her world.  She is very energetic and is constantly on the move, so much that it drives her mother bonkers, especially during the heat of summer.  The place Lala goes every day is to an empty lot with weeds.  There she tends to the plants throughout the year and they reward her in a spectacular fashion that even her mother lets her go back to them.  Lala is a girl who can't be tied down or behave and in her strong-willed fashion, she makes her mother see that this can be a positive thing.
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Hope-Librarian
5.0 out of 5 stars The power of kind words on plants...and on people
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2021
A picture book about the power of kind words as a sort of metaphor, where kindness to plants is the focus, but could be substituted for any person or for teaching a group. The only colors in it shine on Lala and her plants. She lives in a city in an apartment and goes daily to an empty lot nearby. She waters the weeds and tells the plants she loves them. And she’s a rambunctious player who frequently returns home with torn clothes, which her mother gets angry at. Her mother makes her stay home one day and the next morning she wakes up to find one or more of her plants grew to gigantic proportions during the night, in search of her. They are shading all the streets on a hot day, which everyone appreciates. Her mother tells her she loves her amazing girl.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Picky Shopper
1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed
Reviewed in Canada on January 31, 2022
Verified Purchase
I had high hopes for this book with all the positive reviews. I didn't think the description of the book was not accurate. The illustrations were great but the story lacked something. It just didn't grab me – so I returned it.
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