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Author Carole captures the recollections and understandings of her youthful self as, beginning at age ten, she visits with her grandmother, whose skills at cooking delicious meals and managing daily chores are underpinned by deep qualities of generosity and mercy. She is fond of pronouncing simple yet significant "rules" for living—primary among them the admonition to her granddaughter not to be in such a hurry to grow up that she might "jump over the lilies and land in a cow pie." These wise and folksy exhortations give the girl rich food for contemplation.
One day, Grandma instructs her to carry out a highly unusual errand, which she describes as "a bucket of mercy." After the child, as instructed, reads the definition of "mercy," she is sent to purchase a bucketful of corn, and then to carry it, with a small piece of paper snugly inserted by Grandma, to the door of a neighbor, Mr. Beckett, whom the child remembers as unfriendly, inconsiderate in word and deed. Puzzled, she nevertheless obeys her grandmother's explicit instructions: set the bucket by Mr. Beckett's door, knock loudly, and flee immediately to avoid being seen. This mysterious ritual will be performed for several years, until Mr. Beckett passes away. Child, mother, and Grandma attend his memorial service, where they hear an old friend say that though Beckett had a reputation for being "a mean old coot," in his latter years, he became remarkably welcoming and open to positive encounters. One of Grandma's comforting messages is read out, which reminded Beckett that "you're never alone." The friend pronounces Beckett's change "a modern-day miracle." But Grandma refuses to give in to her granddaughter's urging to announce that she ordered the buckets delivered. Suddenly, the girl comprehends what true mercy is and how it can affect others, personally and spiritually.
Carole had a lengthy career in academic realms, concentrating especially on providing educational opportunities and interpreting for deaf students. In recent years, she has been able to enjoy the kinds of activities her grandmother would have pursued—cooking, gardening, and caring for her pets. Grandma Frances, to whom Carole dedicates this tale, was a hard-working exemplar who had raised five children on her own, survived the Spanish Flu, the Dustbowl, and the Great Depression, and always embodied the kind of outspoken determination and humor depicted in Carole's colorful book. Frances continually stressed the necessity for hard work, charitable deeds, and the ability to exude spiritual messages through one's personal dedication to the Bible.
Carole's work sustains true dynamism, aided by enjoyable page-by-page artistic contributions created by Sally Fantasia, and a shimmering, symbolic cover designed by Aimee Croteau. Carole offers two recipes that were infused with her family lore from an early age: Grandma's Strawberry Shortcake and Buttermilk Drop Biscuits. Her intensely personal saga will doubtless engender empathy and enjoyment among youngsters, and, for parents and educators, an inroad into the ways that the past can enliven the thinking of readers across a broad spectrum of enchanting exploration.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
A 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Short List finalist