In the two years since her husband's death at the age of 35, Grace Lin has spent much of her time, whether by chance or on purpose, living up to her first name--with excellent results. The petite, self-effacing 35-year-old woman of Taiwanese ancestry lives alone in a two-bedroom apartment in a former schoolhouse in Somerville, Massachusetts. The high-ceilinged setting, with the indentation for the chalkboard still visible, is picture perfect for someone who earns her living creating children's books. This article features Lin's life and career as children's book writer and illustrator. It also discusses Lin's new novel, which is her tribute to her late husband. The book is about realizing that experiences and people are more valuable than money.