Alexis Young – illustratör

A charming story of being seen, being loved and being family.

A young girl’s ninang (“godmother” in Tagalog) has arrived for a visit, and she’s thrilled! After all, Ninang isn’t just the girl’s godmother, she’s also her very best friend. Ninang describes herself as “a grown-up whose heart never grew up,” which means the two get to have a day full of adventures, including blasting off into outer space and rescuing lost balloons and cats stuck in trees! Unfortunately, as with all wonderful visits, this one must come to end. Or can the girl find a way to get Ninang to stay?

With her playful nature and delight in invention, Ninang is the older relative every child dreams of having. Analene Go has crafted a heartwarming story that celebrates the joys of family life, family connections and imaginative play. Warm depictions of a Filipino household, together with Tagalog words, add a cultural richness to the story. Brightly colored artwork by Alexis Young enlivens the characters’ magical playtime and engages readers to seek for hidden objects in the illustrations. The book’s focus on a special intergenerational relationship that’s not with a grandparent sets it apart from other family-centered books. An author’s note and a glossary are included.