You be grandpa

A weary Grandpa asks his grandson to put him to bed tonight, rather than the other way around. Building a good case, Grandpa reviews all the energy-draining things he has done with his grandson that day: making a humongous sandwich for lunch; walking the dog; slowly, carefully trying out the boy's skateboard; playing hide-and-seek; building a campfire; and making s'mores. The text is really a monologue in rhymed verse. Only Grandpa can hear the boy's reply, but he helpfully reiterates it, saying, "What's that, buddy? You're tired, too? / You'd rather ME be Grandpa instead of you?" Grandpa complies, saying, "For you'll always be my pride and joy, / 'Cause I'm your grandpa and you're my boy!" The fourth book in Clark's You Be series, this picture book creates a lively narrative that flows well and projects a sense of Grandpa's voice and personality. Though varied in the activities portrayed, Rahmalia's attractive digital illustrations all contribute to the sense of color, warmth, and affection that the story conveys. An appealing picture book that reads aloud well.

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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.