About this book

An uplifting story of a girl’s connection to her beloved grandmother through the beadwork art they created together.

As she wakes up one dull morning, Kaiah feels as cold and grey as the day. She longs to be with her grandmother again. Kaiah’s life doesn’t feel right without her. But through Kaiah’s treasured bead box — and the beauty it holds — she is with her grandmother, in a garden that is full of colour and love.

This beautiful story from award-winning author Melanie Florence celebrates the universal love between grandmother and child. Featuring bright, breathtaking illustrations from Tsilhqot’in and Syilx artist Karlene Harvey, the book also features back matter about the Indigenous tradition of beading.

Reviews

Praise for Melanie Florence:

“An emotional read, as the illustrations show mothers waving goodbye to their children and words being lost. As Grandfather revisits his native first language, the words fly back . . . . Recommended.” (Stolen Words) — School Library Journal

“Missing Nimâmâ is heartbreaking. It’s soulful and breathtakingly painful, and all the more so because of Melanie Florence’s free verse text. Never have I read free verse so aptly applied in a picture book . . . Missing Nimâmâ is a haunting story of lives lost and lived and shared, beautifully rendered in words and art. Expect to see this one on award lists in the near future” (Missing Nimâmâ) — CanLit for LittleCanadians

Extras

Kaiah's Garden: Colouring — Bird
Kaiah's Garden: Colouring — Butterflies
Kaiah's Garden: Colouring — Flowers and Bee