In a small neighborhood in Beijing, there are hints of magic in an ordinary, but beautiful life. This graphic novel tells four stories of love, life, humor, and joy in the lives of a young girl with a physical disability named Yu'er, her grandfather, and their equally quirky, eccentric neighbors. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and illuminate how magical the ordinary moments in life can be, from following butterflies to meeting the love of your life. Yu'er and her grandfather's interactions highlight familial love and humor.

2019 Batchelder Honor.

Author lives in China.

France. Originally published in France as Les contes de la ruelle by Sylvain Coissard Agency in 2016. English translation by Edward Gauvin published in the United States by Graphic Universe (Minneapolis, MN) in 2016.