Kirkus Reviews QR Code
YOU BE GRANDPA by Karla Clark

YOU BE GRANDPA

From the You Be series

by Karla Clark ; illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

Pub Date: May 14th, 2024
ISBN: 9781250814371
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

In this rhyming story, a grandfather and his grandson switch roles, at least for a while.

Grandpa and his grandson have had a busy day. They’ve painted, gardened, taken care of the farm animals, picked flowers for Grandma, walked the dog, waged thumb wars, played hide-and-seek, and more. Grandpa even tried skateboarding. (He “took it real slow.”) He says he’s “too tired to be Grandpa tonight” and declares that tomorrow, “If you want to go fishing, / You better do what Grandpa is wishing!” So the grandson steps up. He gives Grandpa a kiss as the old man curls up in their makeshift tent and even pats Grandpa’s back to help get him to sleep—but not before they jump on the bed (“I know it’s not right,” Grandpa admits), have a pillow fight, and pretend to be pirates far out at sea. But in the end, the tired grandson needs his grandfather to take on the role of caregiver and help him drift off to sleep. The story ends with the grandfather’s loving promise: “For you’ll always be my pride and joy, / ’Cause I’m your grandpa and you’re my boy!” Striking digital illustrations in rich colors capture the details of the pair’s busy life. Both Grandpa and his grandson have tan skin; Grandpa has salt-and-pepper hair and a mustache, while the grandson’s hair is dark brown.

A wonderful bedtime story radiating with intergenerational love and companionship.

(Picture book. 3-7)