All From a Walnut
Illustrated by Felicita Sala
Abrams Books for Young Readers
When Emilia finds a walnut by her bed one morning, she knows there is a story coming. And so Grandpa tells her about his long journey across the ocean to find a new home . . . and all that came after. This moving story is a celebration of love, family roots, and the cycle of life.
- Translated into 9 languages
- Starred review from Publishers Weekly
- Bank Street Book Committee Best of the Year
- Publishers Weekly Bookshelf Most-Anticipated release
- Book Riot Must-Read pick
- Tokyo Book House Café Awards: Bronze winner
- Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Awards for 2023-2024, primary-age winner
“Paquette captures the personal-feeling family story with a poignant immediacy that also enshrines respect for the family’s legacy.” –Publishers Weekly, starred
“[A] comforting message of how the circle of life illuminates an enduring love between generations.” –Booklist
“The relatively simple text includes many layers—in addition to being an immigration story, it is a family history tale and a story about the passing of a beloved grandparent and the carrying on of that person’s legacy. Paquette’s emotive writing is strong and clear.” –Hornbook
“A gentle tale about maintaining a sense of continuity and rootedness in the face of life’s upheavals, this book is a worthy addition to any personal or library collection. A glowingly illustrated exploration of immigration, family bonds, and human resilience.” –Kirkus
“A heartstrings-tugging story, inspired by author Ammi-Joan Paquette’s own family immigration story, this is the tale of life, death, and rebirth, shown through the template of the walnut tree.” –Tiny Beans Best of the Year roundup
“A tender, but never cloying, tale. Paquette’s lyrical text captures an enduring intergenerational bond.” –Seven Impossible Things
“Beautifully depicts life’s cycles and highlights not only the sadness of saying goodbye but also the wonder of new beginnings.” —Bookpage
“This gentle story is a celebration of growing things and the power of family legacy.” –A Mighty Girl