• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

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.

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 RISD. 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.

Gracey Zhang's profile page

Praise for Lala's Words:

"Much like an encouraging word, the vibrant pictures in this book will lift you up." -- Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street, Another)

"Lala's Words is really about magic; a special kind of magic called kindness. Like the sunlight and the 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 (The Night Gardener, Ocean Meets Sky)

Praise for Lala's Words:

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

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

"Much like an encouraging word, the vibrant pictures in this book will lift you up." -- Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street, Another)

"Lala's Words is really about magic; a special kind of magic called kindness. Like the sunlight and the 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 (The Night Gardener, Ocean Meets Sky)