Gem    by Holly Hobbie Order:  USA  Can Little, Brown & Co., 2012 (2012) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson The title of Holly Hobbie's new picture books sums it up perfectly; it's a gem! The entirely visual story is book-ended by letters between a grandmother and granddaughter as they share memories of a spring day when Hope 'discovered a small wonder in the garden.' Gram wants to tell Hope what happened to the small toad, sharing 'the story of Gem's spring journey - all the way to my garden.' The book took Gram all winter to make and 'warmed the coldest days'. Each beautifully illustrated pair of pages show a location for Gem and him hopping away from it - as well as the dangers he survives. He escapes the wheels of a car, a long hike up a dirt road, parenthood, and a hungry hawk, before a little girl picks him up - and then sets him free in her Gram's garden. Young Hope appreciates her Gram's gift - and the love that comes with it. Gem is a charming picture book, with lots inside it to explore with a child, about the beauties - and perils - of nature, and the gems that can be discovered all around us. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews