That Day

Told from the perspective of a young boy, this is a tender exploration of loss and memory. When his grandmother passes away, the protagonist finds solace in revisiting the small, treasured moments they shared. Through his eyes, memories of her vibrant presence come alive, transforming his grief into a celebration of love and connection.

Lyet’s prose is poetic and understated, capturing the profound simplicity of a child’s experience with bereavement. Translated beautifully by Sarah Ardizzone, the text flows with a quiet grace, honouring the delicate emotions surrounding loss. Nothing feels lost in the transition from French to English; Ardizzone’s translation carries a gentle, poetic touch, as soft as the snow lining the ground in the book’s setting.

The illustrations are especially poignant, with Lyet’s clever use of landscape as a gentle prompt for memory. The pencilled spreads subtly mirror and evoke the boy’s grandmother—trees, hills, and rivers are carefully placed to remind him of her hair, her legs, and the warmth of her embrace. This careful positioning invites readers to see the world through his eyes, finding reflections of loved ones in nature. Lyet’s vibrant colours bring a life-affirming quality to each page, turning memories into something bright and enduring.

With its delicate treatment of bereavement, this is a moving, life-affirming picture book that offers solace and understanding but also a quiet sense of joy in remembering. A beautiful choice that invites readers to remember loved ones through cherished memories, showing how love endures even after loss.