This story exudes beauty. It is a study in kindness and grace. It shows what knowing how to see beyond personal needs, penchants, and shortsightedness looks like. Nana's wisdom teaches readers to look with eyes that see beyond the surface to love the potential of each individual and to give. Because that is where joy begins.

CJ: "How come it's always so dirty over here?"
Nana (smiling and pointing to the sky, backdrop to the crowded sky rise buildings): "Sometimes when you're surrounded by dirt, CJ, you're a better witness for what's beautiful."

"[CJ] wondered how his nana always found beautiful where he never even thought to look."

This is children's picture book literature at its absolute finest. #1 New York Times Bestseller

A USA Today Bestseller

Winner of the Newbery Medal

A Caldecott Honor Book

A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book

This award-winning modern classic--a must-have for every child's home library--is an inclusive ode to kindness, empathy, gratitude, and finding joy in unexpected places, and celebrates the special bond between a curious young boy and his loving grandmother.

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn't he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty--and fun--in their routine and the world around them.

This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Peña's vibrant text and Christian Robinson's radiant illustrations.