The Old Watering Can
Louise Royston-Smith
Graffeg

Grandma has two watering cans, one she’s had a long time that is leaky, the other is new and somewhat ornate. Every spring and summer day she carries them both to her greenhouse at the end of the garden to water the plants. First though she goes to the tap to fill them but by the time she’s walked to the greenhouse, half the water from the old watering can has leaked out. The proud new one however is still full and likely to splash over the rim.

As a consequence only one and a half cans of water reach her greenhouse and this makes the old can feel the need to apologise for its leak. However Grandma is quick to point out the array of flowers growing on the old can’s side of the garden but not on that of the new can. She explains that she was aware of the leak, so had planted seeds only on the old can’s side and as they walked to the greenhouse they got watered. She tells her old can that she’s been able to share these flowers and make her friends and neighbours and of course, its owner. happy.

A story about accepting and celebrating your imperfections from a debut author/illustrator whose illustrations are infused with a playful energy and their charming details will bring a smile to the face of readers. Grandma is the only character mentioned in the words but there’s also a little girl, a lively dog and a bird that appear on many of the spreads – plenty of storying there.