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Stickler #.5
A Gift for Nana
A story about a little rabbit searching for the best gift for someone very special.
A thoughtful little Rabbit sets out to find the perfect gift for his Nana. He knows she will love anything he brings her but Rabbit wants this gift to be extra special. As he travels on his quest, Rabbit encounters an assortment of creatures-a crow, a smiling full moon, a stickler (whatever that is), a big fish, and a volcano. Each is certain they offer the best advice but nothing they suggest seems right for his Nana. It's not until Rabbit reaches the highest peak, that he finds exactly what he's been searching for.
A thoughtful little Rabbit sets out to find the perfect gift for his Nana. He knows she will love anything he brings her but Rabbit wants this gift to be extra special. As he travels on his quest, Rabbit encounters an assortment of creatures-a crow, a smiling full moon, a stickler (whatever that is), a big fish, and a volcano. Each is certain they offer the best advice but nothing they suggest seems right for his Nana. It's not until Rabbit reaches the highest peak, that he finds exactly what he's been searching for.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 10, 2022
About the author
Lane Smith
112 books362 followersLane Smith was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but moved to Corona, California at a young age. He spent summers in Tulsa, however, and cites experiences there as inspirations for his work, saying that "[o]nce you've seen a 100-foot cement buffalo on top of a donut-stand (sic) in the middle of nowhere, you're never the same."
He studied art in college at the encouragement of his high school art teacher, helping to pay for it by working as a janitor at Disneyland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration, and moved to New York City, where he was hired to do illustrations for various publications including Time, Mother Jones, and Ms..
Smith is married to Molly Leach, who is a book designer and designed the Smith/Scieszka collaboration.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/lanesmith
He studied art in college at the encouragement of his high school art teacher, helping to pay for it by working as a janitor at Disneyland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration, and moved to New York City, where he was hired to do illustrations for various publications including Time, Mother Jones, and Ms..
Smith is married to Molly Leach, who is a book designer and designed the Smith/Scieszka collaboration.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/lanesmith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 12, 2023
“Nana, I have brought you a gift,” said Rabbit.
“Although, now that I think about it, perhaps you already have enough carrots.”
“But I do not have this carrot,” said Nana, smiling the sunny smile Rabbit had mentioned to the moon.”
I picked up this book because of the title. My daughter’s name is Nataliana but when she was very small she decided that Nana would be her name. I tried Talia or Liana but it’s just been Nu-nuh (not Nah-na).
So we read the book pretending she’s the one getting the gift form one of her brothers. She loves and adores it (more for ego than storyline, apparently). The pictures are beautifully designed and it’s just sweet a grandkid is thinking of getting his grandma anything. Rabbit isn’t a selfish little turd. He’s actually investing time and love into this gift and it’s not even her birthday or Christmas.
We should all be reading this to our selfish little monsters. If Rabbit can do it you can too! Be thoughtful and kind you little narcissistic!
(I love making fun of my kids. They’re kind little expensive people but what’s the point of having kids if you can’t laugh at them and their weird quirks?)
“Although, now that I think about it, perhaps you already have enough carrots.”
“But I do not have this carrot,” said Nana, smiling the sunny smile Rabbit had mentioned to the moon.”
I picked up this book because of the title. My daughter’s name is Nataliana but when she was very small she decided that Nana would be her name. I tried Talia or Liana but it’s just been Nu-nuh (not Nah-na).
So we read the book pretending she’s the one getting the gift form one of her brothers. She loves and adores it (more for ego than storyline, apparently). The pictures are beautifully designed and it’s just sweet a grandkid is thinking of getting his grandma anything. Rabbit isn’t a selfish little turd. He’s actually investing time and love into this gift and it’s not even her birthday or Christmas.
We should all be reading this to our selfish little monsters. If Rabbit can do it you can too! Be thoughtful and kind you little narcissistic!
(I love making fun of my kids. They’re kind little expensive people but what’s the point of having kids if you can’t laugh at them and their weird quirks?)
June 1, 2022
A sweet book with two problems.
First, I think Smith has an outdated idea of what grandmothers are like these days. I daresay *most* nanas of preschool age children aren't walking with canes just yet. And does anyone have grey hair anymore? I know, I know... some do, but most young kids can no longer relate to grandmothers who look like Aunt Bee.
Second, as sweet as the story is - and it is cute - it's written to appeal to a grandmother's sentimentality (if not her ego), not the child's pleasure. This would not be a book my grandkids would choose on their own.
First, I think Smith has an outdated idea of what grandmothers are like these days. I daresay *most* nanas of preschool age children aren't walking with canes just yet. And does anyone have grey hair anymore? I know, I know... some do, but most young kids can no longer relate to grandmothers who look like Aunt Bee.
Second, as sweet as the story is - and it is cute - it's written to appeal to a grandmother's sentimentality (if not her ego), not the child's pleasure. This would not be a book my grandkids would choose on their own.
October 23, 2021
Ugh. Another entry in the young one on a quest who encounters various animals with advice to share. Decent illustrations (especially of the Stickler who needs their own story and doesn't really belong in this one). This book has an ending that feels like an adult with no understanding of a child's perspective wrote it.
June 12, 2022
a truly sweet story with such a kernel of experience at the heart. Nanas everywhere receive crumpled drawings, drooping flowers, and other battered gifts with hearts that melt because of the love in the gift. I have some pretty odd things in places of honor ;-)
Lane Smith's drawings are a joy and this book is lovely.
My only complaint is that nanas these days SELDOM look like nanas of the 50's, use canes or wear dresses like flour sacks. Get with it Lane ;-)
Lane Smith's drawings are a joy and this book is lovely.
My only complaint is that nanas these days SELDOM look like nanas of the 50's, use canes or wear dresses like flour sacks. Get with it Lane ;-)
August 19, 2022
I feel like the moon smile needed resolved and the "gift" felt diminished at the end
December 24, 2023
This one just didn't resonate for me.
July 13, 2023
It was such a treat to go on this journey with Rabbit!
August 15, 2023
Sooo cute with quirky illustrations and lore - what a delight 🥰
September 9, 2024
Väga armas luule vormis jutustus jänkust, kes tahtis vabaemale kinkida kõige paremat kinki.
May 11, 2022
Award winning illustrator Lane Smith's latest book is the tale of a young rabbit setting out on a quest to find the perfect gift for his Nana. He is helped along the way by the things he encounters along the way. It's a story of perseverance and the importance of giving to others. It ultimately reminds us that it is the thought that counts and the story may be just as good as the actual gift. Use of repeated phrases and structure makes the book more accessible for young readers. The journey is beautifully illustrated as the scene changes from the forest to the water to the volcano to the cave. A great book to give a grandmother from a grandchild.
December 13, 2021
This is a delightfully quirky little book with wonderful illustrations. Young rabbit wants to find a perfect gift for his Nana. It's not her birthday. Or a holiday. He just loves his Nana and wants to give her a gift. Crow has an idea and tells rabbit where to find a wonderful gift. And so Rabbit begins his quest - through a forest, over a lake, up a mountain to the perfect gift and then back again to give his Nana her gift. Which, of course, she loves.
A big thank you to Penguin Random House for a digital ARC of the book!
A big thank you to Penguin Random House for a digital ARC of the book!
December 20, 2022
The author had good intentions. But the youngster takes a scary journey, by a moon that isn't Earth's moon (sometimes ours shares the sky with the sun irl, after all), by a prickly sticker with lots creepy eyes, and by an explosive volcano, all to bring a prematurely decrepit grandmother something she has already. Of course she's wise & patient and pretends to love the gift, and doesn't even mention the youngster's foolhardiness.
Some folks will love this, I'm sure. But I won't recommend it.
Some folks will love this, I'm sure. But I won't recommend it.
June 5, 2022
A story of a rabbit on a quest to find the extra special gift for his Nana. Rabbit meets a full moon, a stickler, a big fish, and a volcano on his quest. And when he brings something home she is happy to have him there.
May 31, 2022
While the story was sweet, it didn't really inspire me. The illustrations are amazing though. I am always amazed at how different mediums and looks can all be so beautiful.
August 20, 2022
Life is a journey as Rabbit goes on a quest for the perfect gift for Grandma. What will it be? Sometimes the journey is the best part of the story.
August 21, 2022
A GIFT FOR NANA is a heartfelt story starring an earnest, determined young rabbit. He is struck by a deep desire to find the "perfect" gift for his Nana. He invites advice and help, from a variety of unexpected players. The first, a crow, is certain that what he seeks is through and beyond the woods. That leads rabbit to meet Moon (who hangs out in the woods while Sun rules the sky), the Stickler (a fun creation whose identity is unclear), a HUGE fish, a volcano, and a cave before reaching a cliff/mountain requiring superior struggles, despite Rabbit being weary. But nana is worth the effort.
The gentle illustrations and simple direct text allow readers to sense how genuinely rabbit loves (and knows) Nana, how mindful he is of her interests, style, and connection to his life. In the process of very few yet "perfect" lines, readers recognize themselves in being read to, sharing time with, and "knowing" a beloved elder fully. Rabbit's quest story is demanding but not overwhelming, the intimidating encounters all make helpful suggestions and offer encouragement, yet it falls to Rabbit to decide what will ultimately work.
All of that effort and satisfaction are celebratory but undermined with humor and a realization that the gift might not be as perfect as it seemed. The deepest comfort arrives as Rabbit and Nana share the closing spreads in recognizable activities and conversation that lead naturally to "read it again" requests.
Yes, this is an ideal gift for grandparents, of course, but it is also a gift to children, confirming their agency and admirable intentions. While the text is spare, each word and scene is essential. The art is both subtle and spectacular, allowing readers to join Rabbit on his quest, experiencing situations that are both mundane and slightly magical. I highly recommend it for young readers, but also for striving writers of picture books. The infusion of a sort of "nothing" story with characters, language, organic tension, and gentle humor makes this mentor text worth studying. Of course, the illustrations are incredible, but it could be read without the visual and still be deeply moving and gratifying.
The gentle illustrations and simple direct text allow readers to sense how genuinely rabbit loves (and knows) Nana, how mindful he is of her interests, style, and connection to his life. In the process of very few yet "perfect" lines, readers recognize themselves in being read to, sharing time with, and "knowing" a beloved elder fully. Rabbit's quest story is demanding but not overwhelming, the intimidating encounters all make helpful suggestions and offer encouragement, yet it falls to Rabbit to decide what will ultimately work.
All of that effort and satisfaction are celebratory but undermined with humor and a realization that the gift might not be as perfect as it seemed. The deepest comfort arrives as Rabbit and Nana share the closing spreads in recognizable activities and conversation that lead naturally to "read it again" requests.
Yes, this is an ideal gift for grandparents, of course, but it is also a gift to children, confirming their agency and admirable intentions. While the text is spare, each word and scene is essential. The art is both subtle and spectacular, allowing readers to join Rabbit on his quest, experiencing situations that are both mundane and slightly magical. I highly recommend it for young readers, but also for striving writers of picture books. The infusion of a sort of "nothing" story with characters, language, organic tension, and gentle humor makes this mentor text worth studying. Of course, the illustrations are incredible, but it could be read without the visual and still be deeply moving and gratifying.
June 4, 2022
Oh my god, how adorable is this book! A perfect book. A book for grandmas to give little grandkids. A book adults will (tongue-in-cheek) enjoy alongside a child reader. A story with humor galore matched only by the humor in the illustration. Lane Smith does it again!
A little rabbit who dearly loves his Nana thoughtfully goes in search of the perfect gift for her, even though it is not her birthday. A scrawny wild crow wisely gives Rabbit an idea and he earnestly goes in search of that perfect gift, which, he soon discovers, is a long ways away, not a short distance "as the crow flies." Rabbit meets Moon who is willing to share a crescent moon-smile for Nana, but of course Nana already has a lovely smile. Whale will share water, stickleys will share sticks, and volcano will even share anger (which Nana doesn't need), but finally Rabbit finds the perfect gift: a carrot he carries (and munches) on his way back to Nana's house. Though Nana already has carrots in abundance, her response is perfect: "but I don't have THIS carrot." as Rabbit settles on Nana's lap to share his adventures.
A little rabbit who dearly loves his Nana thoughtfully goes in search of the perfect gift for her, even though it is not her birthday. A scrawny wild crow wisely gives Rabbit an idea and he earnestly goes in search of that perfect gift, which, he soon discovers, is a long ways away, not a short distance "as the crow flies." Rabbit meets Moon who is willing to share a crescent moon-smile for Nana, but of course Nana already has a lovely smile. Whale will share water, stickleys will share sticks, and volcano will even share anger (which Nana doesn't need), but finally Rabbit finds the perfect gift: a carrot he carries (and munches) on his way back to Nana's house. Though Nana already has carrots in abundance, her response is perfect: "but I don't have THIS carrot." as Rabbit settles on Nana's lap to share his adventures.
November 21, 2022
A small rabbit wants to find a the perfect gift for his grandmother. He passes different characters along his way who give him suggestions, but none of them are what Rabbit is looking for. We learn a little more of Nana as he goes: Nana has a big smile; he doesn't see her temper often; she has water by her chair she reads to rabbit from. He passes the moon, a volcano, a fish in a lake, and more. He finds a big carrot and returns home the same way he came, stopping for a bite of the carrot along the way. Getting to his Nana's house, he notices the carrots all around her place and thinks maybe she didn't need his carrot. Nana tells him it is the perfect gift because it was from him/her and scoops the rabbit to her lap to hear about the adventure.
The artwork is very soft feeling, with not always distinct lines. The colors are more muted than intense, to me. I think all of the artwork is making the story feel gentle.
I liked it. Great for a grandmother to read :)
The artwork is very soft feeling, with not always distinct lines. The colors are more muted than intense, to me. I think all of the artwork is making the story feel gentle.
I liked it. Great for a grandmother to read :)
October 24, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children’s Books through the Fall Day of Dialogue.
Sweet and humorous story about a young rabbit seeking the perfect gift for his Nana. The crow gives advice on where to find it and Rabbit sets off on a journey. Along the way, he meets other animals and parts of nature who share their thoughts on the perfect gift choice. Of course, Nana loves it when presented with the gift. Smith captures the whimsy and joy of childhood gift giving with a tender touch. The personification works well to draw in readers who will relate to wanting to share the perfect gift with someone they love and being unsure what that is.
Sweet and humorous story about a young rabbit seeking the perfect gift for his Nana. The crow gives advice on where to find it and Rabbit sets off on a journey. Along the way, he meets other animals and parts of nature who share their thoughts on the perfect gift choice. Of course, Nana loves it when presented with the gift. Smith captures the whimsy and joy of childhood gift giving with a tender touch. The personification works well to draw in readers who will relate to wanting to share the perfect gift with someone they love and being unsure what that is.
August 8, 2022
Possible contender for the Mock Caldecott Awards in January 2023. I loved this sweet simple adventure story where a young rabbit sets out to find his Nana the absolutely perfect gift. The illustrations are lovely. There were 2 or 3 that although I truly loved them I thought they might possibly be a little scary for a youngster hearing a bedtime story...not because of the actual content but because of the dark nature of the dense forest. But since the book ends on a happy note. hopefully that's what the child would focus on.
September 25, 2023
I wanted to like this book.. it’s a cute story about a bunny searching for a gift for his nana.
But I couldn’t get past the creepy stickler illustration. I didn’t flip through this book before reading it to my small children. I wish I had!
Most of the illustrations are just bizarre and unpleasant to look at.
We received it as a monthly book from imagination library. I was shocked they sent it to 4 year olds.
I know my kids couldn’t have been the only ones creeped out by it. It’s definitely not a bedtime book.
We won’t be keeping this one.
But I couldn’t get past the creepy stickler illustration. I didn’t flip through this book before reading it to my small children. I wish I had!
Most of the illustrations are just bizarre and unpleasant to look at.
We received it as a monthly book from imagination library. I was shocked they sent it to 4 year olds.
I know my kids couldn’t have been the only ones creeped out by it. It’s definitely not a bedtime book.
We won’t be keeping this one.
July 14, 2021
Thank you to Edelweiss and Random House Studio for early access to this title.
SO CUTE! The story is charming, with a quest adventure, and a very sweet relationship between the little Rabbit and his Nana. The illustrations are absolutely lovely, and I spent quite a bit of time exploring all the nuances and details. This is one both kids and parents would really enjoy, and it would hold up to repeated readings. Highly Recommended!
SO CUTE! The story is charming, with a quest adventure, and a very sweet relationship between the little Rabbit and his Nana. The illustrations are absolutely lovely, and I spent quite a bit of time exploring all the nuances and details. This is one both kids and parents would really enjoy, and it would hold up to repeated readings. Highly Recommended!
July 13, 2022
A bit quirky in style. The rabbits having noses sort of throws me off, haha. The text has lots of fun, nonsensical silly moments (the whale looking for a cup of water, haha). Little Rabbit is trying to find a perfect gift for his nana, and asks many objects for help (the moon, a volcano, a weird monster called a stickler). The illustrations were earthy and the pace of the adventure was very calm and go-with-the flow.
July 16, 2022
Really sweet story about a little rabbit who goes on a quest to find the perfect gift for their Nana even though it's not their birthday or a major holiday. I feel like it kind of hints it's for Mother's Day, but it never mentions it. The illustrations are really cool although I do find Nana to be a tad creepy...nonetheless, great book! Would make a cute gift for your Nana for Mother's Day or Grandparents' Day.
May 19, 2023
A sweet story about a little rabbit's quest to find his Nana the Perfect Gift.
I loved the whimsical characters and interactions, and the enchanting illustrations. Like others said, this book is more for the adult than the child. But picture books can be for anyone so that doesn't bother me at all. As an adult who enjoys the art of picture books, I own quite a few books that are more for me than my children.
I loved the whimsical characters and interactions, and the enchanting illustrations. Like others said, this book is more for the adult than the child. But picture books can be for anyone so that doesn't bother me at all. As an adult who enjoys the art of picture books, I own quite a few books that are more for me than my children.
August 5, 2023
Rabbit wants to get his Nana the best gift ever, so the crow tells him of the perfect thing. Rabbit journeys across the land trying to find the gift that's just right. Others along the way offer suggestions as Rabbit realizes that there's a big difference in the distance a crow can fly versus what a rabbit can hop.
This is a cozy little bedtime story with unique illustrations. It's not what I'd call groundbreaking, but it is thoughtful.
This is a cozy little bedtime story with unique illustrations. It's not what I'd call groundbreaking, but it is thoughtful.
September 2, 2024
This book has amazing pictures that really brings the story to life. It tells the story of a young rabbit who goes on a quest to find the perfect gift for his Nana. Many of the creatures that he meets on his way suggest gifts but ultimately agree that what he got at the end is indeed the best gift. Even though she really didn't need the gift that he she still loved it anyway.
While I loved the story I don't see me being able to use it in my future classroom.
While I loved the story I don't see me being able to use it in my future classroom.
October 31, 2024
I found this book super sweet! I liked the framing device of the central rabbit character going on a quest and encountering different creatures along the way and having little interactions with them.
I thought that the Stickler character was maybe a teeny bit scary for a young child—but said young child didn’t seem bothered. I also really liked how the words were interspersed throughout the page. Overall really cool book.
I thought that the Stickler character was maybe a teeny bit scary for a young child—but said young child didn’t seem bothered. I also really liked how the words were interspersed throughout the page. Overall really cool book.
May 12, 2022
It's not the typical kind of Lane Smith I enjoy (see Happy Hockey Family) but it is still a sweet story about a young rabbit looking for the perfect gift for his grandmother. The illustrations are striking because they seem like a softer, gentler take on his typical work, which works perfectly with the story being told.
June 9, 2022
It's a familiar premise, a quest for the perfect gift for a loved one, but Lane Smith adds originality and humor to the tale in his storytelling and his art. I loved the moon and the stickler parts especially--and that tiny woodpecker as the quest began! This book and reading it together with a grandchild would be the perfect gift for any nana.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews