A School Library Journal Best Book of 2025
An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book of 2026
Nominated for a 2025 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Story
A School Library Journal Exceptional Graphic Novel & Manga Title for All Ages
A 2026 Michigan Notable Book
PRAISE FOR How to Talk to Your Succulent:
“The illustrations, paired with the utterly charming characters, make this book a must-read. Adara’s story concludes on a hopeful note, perhaps inspiring readers to let happiness take root. . . . With enchanting artwork and profound storytelling, this debut offers windows and mirrors into the grieving process, and will move readers to tears — in the best way.” —STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal
“Poignant moments [and precious scenes] are embedded throughout this graphic novel . . . [T]he luminous illustrations are a delight. A touching story rooted in grief and healing.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Persico pairs bold colors, lively botanicals, and visual allegories for grief and disillusionment with swift dialogue and Adara’s introspective first-person narration, resulting in a gentle graphic novel about loss and connection.” —Publishers Weekly
“Persico’s breathtaking artwork distinguishes this from other works tackling similar subjects — every page blushes with color, enveloping readers in light. . . . Persico’s moving story uses the natural world to speak to young grief in a way that transcends words. Readers of all ages will walk away from this book feeling a bit sunnier.” —Booklist
“Persico’s artwork, created in Photoshop, has a painterly quality to its coloring and lighting . . . gives the pages the look and feel of an animated movie. . . . Persico seemingly has no problem communicating complex emotions and concepts in her art.” —J. Caleb Mozzocco, School Library Journal
“[A] sweet and stunningly illustrated story about how to be heard and how to listen. . . . Happier scenes of soft, sun-dappled images reflect Adara’s hope for healing. It’s by ‘finally reaching for the light’ that Adara finds what she needs to grow.” —Shelf Awareness
“How to Talk to Your Succulent is not the first [graphic novel] to deal with grief, or strained relationships of parents and children. It is, however, outstanding in its sensitivity, bold graphics, and experimentation with fantasy and reality as equal components of a young girl’s search for the truth. Persico quietly presents a scenario that defies reality, and then proceeds to immerse the reader in a world where it is utterly plausible. . . . Equally innovative for its graphics and its exploration of emotional vulnerability, this book will bloom with every re-reading.” —Imaginary Elevators
“While the story focuses on grieving, growing up, and learning to speak about emotional pain, that always feels ingrained in the natural story arc rather than a lesson to the reader. Hand this book to kiddos to help in normalizing the rollercoaster of emotions that go along with the loss of someone close.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“[A]n emotional and stunning graphic novel that will root deep in hearts and inspire readers to listen to even the quietest of voices.” —BookPage
“This book explores grief, healing, mental health and how being able and willing to listen, to anyone or anything, can change your life. A touching, adorable story . . . And the artwork is stunning!” —Colorado Sun
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