Wells' great-great-grandfather and grandmother came to America (separately) in the 1800s. Sam was a carpenter who carved a rocking chair to welcome ("wilkommen") a new baby, and over the years, the chair passed through several families, with new languages being added with each story. An author's note and illustrator's note explain how much of the story is true and how much is invented, and the research process for the pictures, respectively. ( )

I loved the first part which was based on family history, the second part had a great message but felt forced. ( )

4/5