How to Talk to Your Succulent

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

After the loss of her mother, Adara struggles to communicate with her family about her grief. When a sympathetic ear arises in an unlikely place, Adara can finally find her words — but can she find the time to listen? A stunning graphic novel for middle-grade readers about family, friendship and magic in unlikely places, for fans of The Witches of Brooklyn and Raina Telgemeier.

Eleven-year-old Adara and her dad are moving from California to the cold and flat lands of Michigan . . . and it sucks. After Mom's recent passing, it seems way too soon. Talking to Dad has always been harder than with Mom, but now it's like walking on eggshells. And why did Dad bring so many of Mom's houseplants across the country? Her mother might have been called the "plant whisperer" back home, but Adara is beginning to wonder if there is something more to it. But when she meets a little succulent named Perle, she unlocks the same magical ability her mother had: talking to plants!

But taking care of Perle isn't as easy as it seems — the environment isn't suited for her, and Adara doesn't know how to meet her needs. Kind of like the situation Adara herself is in. If only Perle could ask Adara for help . . . and Adara could ask her dad.

With a touch of magic, this debut middle-grade graphic novel explores loneliness, mental health and empathy, and shows how communication, openness and a willingness to listen can help young people — and older people — and plants! — navigate their mental well-being and heal from loss, individually and together.

About the Author

ZOE PERSICO is an illustrator with a love for the wild, the wondrous and the whimsical. She enjoys hiking, playing board games and tabletop RPGs, and hunting for good finds at the thrift store. She has done visual development work for Dreamworks, Bento Box Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, and her art has been exhibited at Gallery Nucleus and Light Grey Art Lab. Her publishing clients include Running Press Kids, Little Brown, Frances Lincoln, Feiwel & Friends, Little Golden Books and American Girl. Zoe lives in sunny Florida with a dog named Zombie.

Author Residence: Jacksonville, Florida