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“[Mrs. Garcia’s] comforting words help Isha reflect on her friends, who feel like family, and she enjoys a joyous get-together with her chosen family. Bajaj’s heartwarming story, with its clever coinage of the term grandfriend to describe Mrs. Garcia, encapsulates relationships that grow from a close-knit community. Lobo’s endearing illustrations create a sense of coziness and celebration. Isha’s surrounded by an intergenerational, multicultural mix of loved ones. A charming rendering of life’s ups and downs and those who buoy us along the way.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Isha’s first-person narrative clearly expresses her sorrow as well as her happiness in sharing her thoughts and feelings with friends of different ages. Reflecting the story’s tone, the illustrations feature simplified forms, rich colors, and an irrepressible sense of joy. A heartfelt, encouraging story that will resonate with kids whose relatives live far away.”

—Booklist

Family of Friends

Written by Varsha Bajaj
Illustrated by Ishaa Lobo
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

A beautiful celebration of family—both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose.

Isha can’t wait for her birthday party. Nani, her fun-loving grandmother, is coming all the way from India to be there! So when Nani has to postpone her trip, Isha is crushed. She no longer feels like celebrating. Fortunately, she has a whole neighborhood of friends to cheer her up, and they all work together to make her day truly special.

This moving intergenerational story shows the impact that chosen family can have and is a wonderful reminder to appreciate all the important people in our lives.

Primary ISBN: 9780593625156
Publication Date: October 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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