Aunt Mary's Rose

Aunt Mary's Rose by Douglas Wood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, Candlewick Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-7636-1090-6
Bookjacket: Aunt Mary has a very special rosebush in her garden. She says a little bit of Douglas can be found inside it. And she tells him that a little bit of Douglas' father can be found in it as well.
In describing the story, the illustrator says it best "I realized that I was illustrating a piece of American history, told through one family's view." Family and the importance of traditions are the focal point of this book, and it makes for a very sweet story.

Wood has written many books for children, including Old Turtle and A Quiet Place. See his website for all the titles.