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“Captures a language’s ability to connect one to places, ancestry, and cultural heritage through the sharing of stories, family recipes, and so much more. Wada’s stunning water-colours are awash with nature motifs…The palette is punctuated by pinks, blues, and greens that touch scenes with a whimsy and vibrance in keeping with the text’s joyful message of language as a living thing that ties generations together, past and future. An inspiring addition to any collection.”

—Booklist, Starred Review

“A beautiful lyrical book showing the power language has in connection to heritage, family, to culture, and others…will draw listeners in and hopefully inspire them to lean into the language around them, and appreciate the many doors it can open.”

—Islamic School Librarian

“Alaraj’s text makes for an effortless read-aloud as she speaks to the power of language. With kaleidoscopic colors and dramatic shifts in perspective, Wada’s majestic visuals depict the characters traversing cities, mountains, the seaside, and even space. A lyrical ballad of a book that celebrates the gift of language.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“In a heartfelt tribute to the roots, rhythms, and reasons behind learning and speaking one’s heritage language, this uplifting text addresses the work of raising a child connected to their family’s culture.”

—Publishers Weekly

My Language Is a Garden

Written by E.G. Alaraj
Illustrated by Rachel Wada
Published by Orca Book Publishers

Do you know my language? Have you heard the sounds it makes? Has it rocked you in its rhythms? Have you seen the roads it takes?

A parent invites a child to get to know their language. In a driving rhythm, they speak about the language blossoming in deserts and plains, building castles and forts and motoring over roadways. Not hemmed in by borders, this language holds ancient knowledge, medicines and nourishment within it, and has explored the farthest reaches of the universe. The parent realizes that teaching their heritage language to their child will connect them always and allow them to grow a garden of language together.

For the parents and caregivers who want to share their heritage language with the children in their lives, E.G. Alaraj has crafted this celebratory and inspiring poem in hopes it will get more conversations started and encourage kids to see the joy in discovering their roots. Exploring the links between language, culture and the natural world, this book is a heartfelt celebration of the vitality and importance of our languages and how they bind us together.

Primary ISBN: 9781459840652
Publication Date: February 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified (Western Country)

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

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

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