I have been reading picture books coming out in 2025 from online reader copies recently. Every Peach Is a Story: A Picture Book by David Mas Masumoto, Nikiko Masumoto, and Lauren Tamaki (due in March 2025) is one of those. The cover was a bit awkward, being busy and (frankly) a bit messy looking. Yet, I knew that if I didn’t like it, I didn’t have to finish it. And while it is not my favorite read this year, it has a strong place.
It is a story about how a young child, her grandfather and her family learn about the connections with each other, the peaches they grow and learning when something is “just right.” Through the metaphor of the peach, Midori and her Jichan (grandfather) follow the progression of the peach as it grows to ripe status. It is only right when it “tastes like a story.” When it has captured the moments of their stories. It is about patience and hard work, and of course, roots and family.
It is beautiful, bittersweet, and honest. It has a bit of a romantic overtone, but that does not take away from things. The illustrations were compatible with this format, keeping everything even in its flow. It might be a tad busy at times, but this just means you need to take your time with and and multiple readings might be necessary. The older reader and/or listener (at least five and up) will be the best audience, but I am assuming the format might be a drawback for the older child, though it can be good for up to a younger 10 or 11 year-old.
