MY HANDS TELL A STORY: A Picture Book Review, Giveaway, and Mini-Author Interview

 When I saw on Facebook that Kelly Starling Lyons  had a new picture book out with Reycraft Books, I knew I had to review it here. My Hands Tell a Story is a lovely lyrical book with wonderful illustrations by Tonya Engel.

REVIEW

Zoe is spending the day baking with her grandmother. After washing her hands (a prerequisite in my kitchen too!) Zoe observes that her grandmother's hands tell a story. As the two of them mix the dough and then push and pull it, Zoe discovers more about her grandmother's life--and more about herself. 

Her grandmother places her hands over Zoe's and together they push and pull the dough. While the dough rises, Zoe realizes that her grandmother's hands tell stories about who she is.

Zoe hears about her Grandmother's dreams to be a dancer. She imagines her "...leaping through time and space. Her fingers are branches, stretching toward the sky." Zoe hears about how her grandparents planted seeds that eventually became delicious food that was served at their table. And Zoe wonders if one day her hands will grow something too.

They check the dough, flatten it, add a dusting of cinnamon sugar, roll it up, cover it with a cloth and wait for it to rise again.

The two go outside for some air and then there is this beautiful pause in the story. "I hear murmurs of her hands, flowing and dancing, praying and planting, stroking my hair when she thinks I'm asleep."

But suddenly, something happens!

The bread goes into the oven and Zoe thinks about the power in her hands to "turn pages, color, and create."

When the two of them eat a chunk of delicious cinnamon bread, they slap their hands together. Her grandmother observes that Zoe's hands are just like hers. "Our fingers are long and skinny. Sweet brown like sugar. Made for holding and reaching."

Zoe goes home and starts typing on her computer. "The words fly out like they're sailing on a breeze."

Here is Zoe's lovely conclusion. "My hands tell a story if you listen."

And here's the trailer:

I love a story that connects generations and this one does exactly that. MY HANDS TELL A STORY oozes love and will be enjoyed by many grandparents, parents, teachers, and children.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I asked Kelly about her inspiration for the book and the backstory behind it. This is what she told me:

I was inspired by baking with my grandma. As a child, being in the kitchen with her was one of my favorite places to be. I loved the way she could eyeball ingredients and know just how much to include and how her hands moved with such grace and confidence. I thought a lot about her hands as I grew older. They had character and were full of memories. She worked in a steel mill, nurtured plants in a greenhouse, fed the housed, voted for change, cradled her kids, my brothers, cousins, and me, and baked and baked, feeding our stomachs and our souls. Her tradition is one that lives on in my family. Looking at her hands as a child I wondered what mine would do one day. Just like Zoe in My Hands Tell a Story, I discovered the power in my hands through writing. 

GIVEAWAY

If you'd like a chance to win this book, please leave me your name and email address (if you are new to my blog) or email me. The giveaway ends June 28. If you follow my blog or become a new follower, let me know and I'll put your name in twice. U.S. addresses only. 

Congratulations to Danielle Hammelef who won GRACE BANKER AND HER HELLO GIRLS.