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Sourgrass

Illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

About The Book

What do you do when your best friend moves away? This hopeful and resonant book filled with soft, vibrant illustrations tells the story of two friends who find a way to keep their special friendship alive, no matter the distance.

Every day, Sofia and May meet at the door of their shared fence. Sofia can always count on May to show up and May can always count on Sofia to wait for her. One spring day, Sofia and May discover a field of wild sourgrass flowers beyond their yards. The field becomes their favorite place, and the two friends grow closer than ever. But when May moves away, Sofia starts to worry: Will their friendship last?

As the girls navigate a long-distance friendship, Sofia realizes that some friends are forever, even when they’re apart.

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Hope Lim is the author of the picture books I Am a Bird, My Tree, Mommy’s Hometown, and Sourgrass. Born and raised in South Korea, Hope now lives in San Francisco with her family. Visit her at HopeLim.com.

About The Illustrator

Shahrzad Maydani is an illustrator and storyteller based in Maui, Hawaii, where she lives with her family. She was raised in Africa by an Iranian mother and an English father, and she spent her childhood collecting and telling stories. Shahrzad is the illustrator of the picture books Poetree by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds, Always Sisters by Saira Mir, and Sourgrass by Hope Lim.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Beach Lane Books (March 26, 2024)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665931878
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

"Lim’s story reminds us that true friendship endures the harshest season, validating the emotional struggles over friends moving away, even as we root for Sofia and May to be reunited and to rekindle their friendship in the bright, sunlit patch of sourgrass."

– Booklist, 3/1/24

"Lim and Maydani offer a realistic yet hopeful depiction of ever changing, meaningful childhood bonds.... A gentle tug at the heartstrings."

– Kirkus Reviews, 01/15/2024

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More books from this illustrator: Shahrzad Maydani