How to talk to your succulent

If you’re still on the fence about graphic novels being “real books,” let this one change your mind.

How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoë Persico is a tender, visually rich, and emotionally layered story that hit me in the quiet corners of my heart. Told through the eyes of Adara, a young girl navigating the loss of her mother, this book gently explores what it means to care—for a plant, for others, and for yourself—especially when the world feels unfamiliar and heavy.

Adara’s journey from California to wintry Michigan, and her struggle to reconnect with her family and herself, is both raw and magical. There’s grief here, yes—but also healing, hope, and just enough magic to keep you rooted. As a reader, you’re pulled into her emotions not only through words, but through art that speaks volumes.

This is what graphic novels do so well. They give space for big feelings. They allow kids and teens (and adults too) to see themselves, to feel less alone, and to know it’s okay to not have all the answers.

For any parent or educator who worries that graphic novels aren’t “serious enough”—this one is a beautiful reminder that some of the most powerful stories come in panels and speech bubbles.