Review by Booklist Review
The latest in the Seasons with Grandad series (Snow , 2015; Rain , 2017; Sun, 2018) shows that days spent with Granddad build lasting memories. The whipping fall wind makes for a perfect day to fly a kite ( But we'll have to find it first ). As they poke through closets, cabinets, and cartons, the boy and his grandpa unearth a cricket bat, a boat, and a telescope, and reminisce about the adventures they have had together in the past. At the park, the wind whooshes and whistles, lifting the pair into a fantastical sky among kites of every size and character. When the storm grows ominous, thunder and lightning propel them home for milk and cookies and final words: The best adventure is an adventure shared. Colorful ink-and-watercolor illustrations follow the wind's swirling path as it pulls hair backward and trees downward, turns birds topsy-turvy, and causes a desperate Granddad to hang on to a trash can for dear life. Full-page spreads show details indoors and out especially observant children will wonder at the dragon tail emerging from a puddle!--Lolly Gepson Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In a fall addition to Usher's fanciful weather-themed series, a boy with scribbly, crimson-colored hair wakes to a blustery day: "The wind was rattling the windows. I couldn't wait to go outside." After searching the house's cupboards for their diamond-shaped kite (and reminiscing about previous moments together), a boy and his bespectacled grandfather take their kite to the park. There, the kite takes off-trailing them along with it. Surreal scenes show a sky crowded with unusual kites (including a dragon, whale, and gorilla) and other kite-fliers lifted into the maelstrom. As the storm gains intensity, the kite gently guides the boy and his grandfather home. There, they remember the day's adventure as lightning slashes the sky outside the window. In his subtly expressive watercolor and line art, Usher conveys the thrill of an unexpected adventure as well as the tender relationship between grandfather and grandson. Ages 3-7. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
The little boy and his grandad from Rain and Snow return for more weather-related imaginative adventures. They set off on the hottest day of year for a picnic (Sun) and fly a kite in autumn wind gusts (Storm). As usual, the outings turn slightly fantastical, told with some visual clues. Expansive ink and watercolor pictures add to the stories' appeal. [Review includes these titles: Storm and Sun.] (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Fun for a boy and his grandfather blows in on the winds of a brewing storm.The fourth in this series of picture books about a boy and his grandfather (Sun, 2018, etc.) once again finds them outside enjoying nature, inspired this time to fly a kite in the blustery wind. Before they head outdoors, they must search the house to find a kite, however. In their searching they come across several things that remind them of prior adventures. This trip down Memory Lane establishes a foundation for their fun flying the kite, which gently tips the story into the realm of fantasy when they and other kite-fliers are lifted into a sky filled with kites of varied colors, patterns, and forms. "We swooped and flew. But then I let go!" exclaims the young narrator at the story's climax. Luckily, Granddad saves the kite, and then they sail back home on the wind before the storm descends. Throughout, Usher's watercolor-and-ink illustrations adopt a style similar to Quentin Blake's, and his shifting use of color, light, and shadow evokes excitement, peril, and finally the safety and security of the kitchen with the storm raging outside. It's a gentle home-away-home story tied up with a cozy message delivered by Granddad at the end: "The best adventure is an adventure shared." Both characters present white.It follows, perhaps, that the best picture books are those, like this, that beg to be shared, as well. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
