In A Jar by Deborah Marcero for G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books is one of my favorite picture books that I read this year. Llewellyn collects things in jars and when he looks into the jars he remembers all the wonderful things he had seen and done. He gets to share these experiences with a friend until she moves away. With the friend gone, Llewellyn’s heart feels like an empty jar. He learns he can still share some experiences with her through mail even though she is far away. Eventually he makes a new friend he can share new experiences with in person again.
This sweet story is about a friend moving away but also enjoying the small beautiful moments of every day with those you love near and far. The book is charming and the pictures really bring this book to life.
Now my kiddos and I have been collecting things in jars for their own rooms, so they can remember the beautiful experiences that bring them delight.
Ages: 4-8
Themes: friendship, loss, beauty, contentment
