Karolyn Grimes

“That’s faith. Believing in something before you see it.”

God only knows the last time I read a children’s picture book. But I so enjoyed reading Zuzu’s Petals, A Dream of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ by author Karolyn Grimes, the woman who played the role of Zuzu Bailey in the classic Christmas film–yes, you guessed it–It’s a Wonderful Life. The book is co-authored and illustrated by Karen Deming.

I’m absolutely aware that I’m biased and sentimental about this read, having loved the film all my life, but what else is a book like this for if it isn’t to warm your heart and inspire you? The illustrations are beautiful, wonderfully depicting old-fashioned Bedford Falls and the people in it, appropriately shifting the “look” along with the flow of the story.

It was interesting seeing the Wonderful Life tale from Zuzu’s angle, seeing how she views her father, George, who works hard at the Building and Loan. While the storyline doesn’t follow each detail of the film exactly, the attention to detail in the book is still clear and fitting as the story draws an inspiring parallel to the movie’s message about how one’s acts of kindness can go a long way.

Oh, it mayn’t be 100% necessary to know the original story in order to enjoy this book, but knowing the original story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls will make you appreciate this book all the more. I highly recommend it.… (more)