The pie reports

Noor and Granddad love to make pies! During the summer, they work together and share the delicious results, along with other fun activities. When Noor and her mother fly home for the school year, Noor and Granddad have weekly video talks about pie and life in general. But sometimes Granddad has what he calls "blue days," when he doesn't feel like talking. Noor writes down the pie reports and keeps them until Granddad feels better. Celebrating the special bond between grandparent and grandchild, this tender story also demonstrates the value of the understanding and patience Noor offers her grandfather, staying connected to him despite his declining health. Their home countries are not specified, but a wide variety of people are shown in the airport and on the streets, in illustrations done in pencil and graphite, then digitally colored. This realistic portrayal of the effects of aging presents a gentle framework for helping children understand and celebrate the loving gift of family elders.

A mutual love of pie seals an affectionate relationship. Noor and Granddad are separated by an ocean (though their locations are unspecified). Still, they share a common passion--pie--which they eat together every summer, when Noor and Mom travel by plane to visit Granddad and Nana. Then Noor and her grandfather bake up a storm. The most special--albeit bittersweet--one is the "time-to-say-goodbye pie," the signal that it's time for Noor and Mom to leave. But Noor and Granddad still meet virtually for their Friday "pie reports," where they discuss what's going on in their lives. Just before Noor leaves this summer, she learns that Granddad's health is declining; his "arm [has] been shaking more than usual." Granddad calls these incidents "blue days." As Granddad's symptoms increase, he skips their pie reports, so Noor writes her reports and reads them aloud at their next visit. When necessary, Granddad rests; sometimes, he's better. At story's end, Noor gives Granddad a hopeful card that reads "For when you need to find your way out of the blue" and tells him he's stronger than he knows. This upbeat, warmhearted tale bubbles with sweetness; children will appreciate the protagonists' intergenerational bond as well as the food theme. The delightful illustrations were created with pencil and graphite sticks on paper, then digitally colored; kids will savor those pastries. Noor and Mom have light-brown skin. Granddad is lighter-skinned, and Nana is brown-skinned. A cozy read to share, especially with beloved older relatives. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.