Description:
For fans of Oge Mora and Ezra Jack Keats comes a poetic and joyful tale about a young boy who runs errands with his grandfather in town, by critically acclaimed author, Gary R. Gray, Jr. (I'm From), and award-winning artist, Rahele Jomepour Bell.
"What are we doing today, Granddad?"
"How about a trip to town? Nan needs some things for dinner."
"Let's go!"
"How far to the market, Granddad?"
"No rush, son! We're just spendin' time."
Upbeat lyricism and cheerful illustration bring to life this kid-friendly meditation on appreciating every moment--big or small--spent with the people you love.
Brief description:
Gary R. Gray, Jr. is a poet and educator who writes for young children and adults, and he is the host of the podcast It's Personal. His Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor winning and critically acclaimed picture book debut, I'm From was inspired by growing up in Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada's oldest Black community. He and his wife have been international educators for more than ten years. You can visit him online at garyrgrayjr.com.
Review Quotes:
In a sweetly sensate picture book, a simple grocery run unfurls into a brimful, golden day for a child "spendin' time" with their grand-father. [A] roundly rendered tribute to the treasure of unhurried time with loved ones. - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
[Bell's] impressionistic images shimmer, while Gray's text has an easy, folksy rhythm that mirrors Granddad's own relaxed attitude; this is as much a love letter to grandparents as it is to Preston, Nova Scotia, where Gray spent time with his own grandparents. As warm and nourishing as apple pie. - Kirkus (starred review)
For children, an invitation for "spendin' time" with a beloved family member may inspire appreciation for their own everyday memories. - Lucinda Whitehurst, Booklist
[T]his is all about enjoying an unplanned, unscheduled meandering with no goal in mind other than to simply be with one another. [E]asy and rhythmic. - BCCB
Sweet and nostalgic, [i]t is rare that a book comes around with such an unassuming and quiet message that is all joy and no strife. - BookPage
[Gray's] text is soothing with a nice rhythm. Bell's soft mixed-media illustrations capture the closeness between grandson and grandfather. - Horn Book
Gray's loving tribute tells the story of a boy spending the day with Grandad. The stylized, cheerful, animated artwork exudes love for family, home, and community. Its warm palette feels like a hug from a grandparent. A good choice for libraries needing realistic picture book fiction about relationships with grandparents. - School Library Journal