  | Bud finds her gift Author: Kimmerer, Robin Wall | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
When young Bud sees people bustling around, intent on their chores and their screens, she is certain they must be doing something important and she wants to be a part of things by doing something important too. But wise Nokomis, her grandmother, shows her that there is a different way to find belonging, one that relies on stillness and that cultivates paying attention to the natural world.
| Illustrator: | Stoop, Naoko |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (08/01/25)
School Library Journal (10/31/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 06/23/2025 Noticing that "everyone always had something important" going on, young Bud tells Nokomis that she, too, wants to do something "big and important." But her grandmother’s invitation to head outside at sunrise, where Nokomis gives thanks for the day’s many gifts, yields confusion: "Will we do the important thing soon?" Bud asks. "Nokomis laughed. This is the important thing, taking time for noticing and saying ‘thank you’ for all the gifts of the earth." A day later, Bud goes outside solo to work on perceiving "with your eyes and ears and fingers" and heart, an effort that leads to deeper noticing: of birdsong, a robin, moss, and the robin’s droppings, each of which narrates a four-line paragraph ("Even bird poop is a gift for the berries"). And beyond offering thanks, Bud learns to consider what gifts she can offer as well. Gently conversational text from Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass), making her picture book debut, leans accessibly into themes of abundance, attentiveness, personal gifts, and reciprocity. Softly textured illustrations from Stoop (Mommy Love), which incorporate numerous species of fauna and flora, aptly capture Bud’s warm relationship with her grandmother and with the natural world. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note and further resources conclude. Ages 4-8. Author’s agent: Sarah Levitt, Aevitas Creative Management. Illustrator’s agent: Brenda Bowen, Book Group. (Sept.) - Copyright 2025
School Library Journal - 10/31/2025 PreS-Gr 3—Bud is a special young girl who notices all the important things people do every day and wants to be a part of something bigger. She seeks out Nokomis, or grandmother in Potawatomi, to find a way she can do something important too. Nokomis takes her out in nature and teaches Bud that giving thanks to the world around them for the gifts they provide is one of the most important actions she could accomplish. Using all her senses, Bud takes time to notice the flourishing relationships in nature that people too often look over and eventually finds ways to use her own gifts to give back to the Earth. Told with endearing observations and an inspiring repeating rhythm, Bud's sweet tale is one that will inspire readers to look closely at the world around them and appreciate the small gifts it offers—and to use our gifts for good in return. The artwork presents a wide range of diverse background characters with a Potawatomi family at its center. An incredible amount of attention to detail is noticeable in the breathtaking imagery presented in each scene. Back matter includes a note from Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass, for adults) and ways to appreciate and share gifts, along with suggestions for further reading. VERDICT A simple message, lyrically presented, and a recommended purchase for all libraries.—Lindsey Morrison - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
