"A standout read for young audiences. Fans of Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s Grandma’s Purse and Oge Mora’s Thank You, Omu! will find much to love here. Highly recommended."—School Library Journal (STARRED review)

A multigenerational picture book about finding your voice and the strength of family from acclaimed author-artist Erika Lynne Jones!

Zara loves living next door to her Grandma Jane and Granny Gladys, but sometimes it’s tough being stuck in the middle of them! Both her grandmas think they know what’s best for her, and Zara is too worried she might upset them if she says what she really wants.

Find out what it will take for Zara to speak up for herself in this empowering story. Perfect for fans of Christian Robinson and Etta Extraordinaire.

BIO

Erika Lynne Jones is an author and illustrator of children’s books who has a lot of fun making cut paper collages to tell stories that bring children joy. She is also the illustrator of The Loud Librarian, written by Jenna Beatrice, and Black Girls, written by Dominique Furukawa. Erika grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and now lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three daughters. Erika, invites you to visit her and Zara at erikalynnejones.com.

REVIEWS

"Jones’s vibrant mixed-media illustrations bring warmth and humor to this relatable family story. Themes of self-expression, family dynamics, and compromise make this a standout read for young audiences. Fans of Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s Grandma’s Purse and Oge Mora’s Thank You, Omu! will find much to love here. VERDICT A warm and empowering story about finding one’s voice while celebrating the love of family. Highly recommended." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"A gentle yet powerful lesson for people pleasers everywhere. Jones’ painted, mixed-media, cut-paper figures and objects are bold and inviting. An affirming, multigenerational story about just how tricky it can be to speak up." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Zara’s narration reads as authentically age-appropriate, making the book an easy readaloud choice, where adults and kids can take turns based on the child’s reading abilities. Each spread [has] a lively tactility. Excellent character designs." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

[H]  HarperCollins  /  July 08, 2025

For ages 4 to 8