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by Carly Mottinger (Author), Dan Brown (Illustrator)
The irrepressible Gigi is back in "Gigi Garage Sale," a sweet tale that starts off as a lesson about letting go of objects and ends up telling a deeper story of the existential pain of growing up and leaving childhood behind. When Mom decides to throw a garage sale, Gigi and little sis Birdie are all in! They're excited to help label and sell all the unneeded items from their house, especially since they're going to get paid for their labor. At first, it's satisfying to see unplayed-with toys going to good use (even if neighbor Lucy could stand to wipe her nose and hands a bit before handling Gigi's old doll!) But, when someone tries to buy the old rocking chair that Mom used to rock Gigi and Birdie in as babies, Gigi freaks out - that can't possibly be for sale! When Mom confirms that it is, Gigi is shocked. How could Mom bear to part with "Chairy" It was a part of so many precious memories of feeding and singing and rocking her babies to sleep. Mom explains that the girls don't need it anymore as they're getting older... and that the woman who wants to buy it is clearly expecting a child (ah, so that mysterious bump under the lady's dress is not a basketball like Birdie thought!) Eventually, Gigi and Birdie agree to let go of the chair if they can have one more rock in it with Mom. Saying goodbye is hard, but they know Chairy will be going to a good home where it can serve its purpose... and that they have plenty of new adventures ahead of them as big kids!
Once again, author Mottinger uses the thoughtful, sensitive, quirky protagonist of Gigi to teach a universal lesson, this time about growing up and letting go of the past. Seen through Gigi's unique perspective, we get a sometimes comedic and sometimes deeply touching view of events that will resonate with young readers. And the illustrations are colorful and fun, brilliantly capturing Gigi's cheeky take on the world. "Gigi Garage Sale" is another fun addition to Gigi's adventures, with a lovely message for kids that grownups can benefit from too. (Maybe it will inspire you to get rid of that lonely piece of furniture in your garage!)
