This book could be compared to the first sip of a cup of coffee on an early December morning. I felt very comforted with not only this books very friendly illustrations, but with the compelling and rewarding tale. I appreciate how the book used Gugu, the grandmother, to be the pillar of the community. I felt this book touched me because like many African American homes, including mine, the grandmother is often the backbone of the family, and once she is gone, a family can become lost. This book can be appreciated by not only a black child, but any child who has ever had their life touched by a grandmother. ( )

I really enjoyed the way the author realistically explained how they made the paint and fixed the walls. The grandmother and granddaughter interacting together is very sweet. From the text and illustrations you can tell that the little girl adores her Gugu. I also liked how the grandmother explains the lose of color on her house after the rain storm and takes the little girl into nature to show her where it has gone. ( )

A little girl's vacation visits to her grandmother's house in rural South Africa become a lesson in community and the value of art. Beautiful illustrations and a gentle, upbeat story. ( )

Stock's watercolors capture the bright hues of the African landscape and the traditional dress of the people. The story portrays a wonderful relationship between Gugu and Kukamba as well as an artist’s perspective on life. The author closes with an introduction to the real woman on whom Gugu is based as well as a glossary. ( )