Saturday, March 28, 2020

40 Uses for a Grandpa by Harriet Ziefert

40 Uses for a Grandpa by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by Amanda Haley gives a laughable numerical list of suggested uses for a grandpa. From playful uses like "15. Dance Partner" and "23. Bug Catcher" to uses adults would appreciate like "4. Taxi" and "3. Cash Machine," this book is truly endearing. The grandpas this book describes are far from the grumpy couch dweller so many movies portray. These grandpas are active, outdoorsy, crafty, and above all, loving and engaged with their grandchildren. 

The illustrations are cartoony watercolor, which adds a comic but friendly feel to the book. In spite of the grandpas' vigor and youthfulness, the outfits are lovingly grandpaish (polka-dotted button-down shirt paired with red plaid pants, or yellow pants with red suspenders, for example). The grandchildren are a variety of age, race, gender and style, but all clearly feel loved and privileged to have their grandpa's full attention. 

Elliyah (age 4) says, "I like that he was taking care of her because she was sick. I like when they drive in a 'taxi' and that they have a play date and he takes care of his turtle. I like when they dance and when he snuggles her hands. I like when he helps his grandson make spaghetti with meatballs. I like when he helped his sweetie do golf. I like when he made a Red Riding Hood dress for her."

A great book for grandpas and grandchildren alike. Truly a tender appreciation for the role grandpas play in the heart of a child.

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