FICTION

When Grandfather Flew

by Patricia MacLachlan (text) & illus. by Chris Sheban
Neal Porter/Roaring Brook/. Jul. 2021. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780823444892.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-6–Lovingly called Birdman by his family for his appreciaton of birds, Grandfather enjoys teaching everyone about the winged creatures that visit his property. “I love their songs and the way they fly. The brisk wing beat of the sharp-shinned hawk, the hovering kestrel, and my favorite bird of all, the high-soaring bald eagle.” Throughout the story the family, who is white, is truly schooled in everything regarding birds. As grandfather ages and his eyesight worsens, he relies on his family to describe the birds to him or to simply listen to the song of the bird to identify it. As his days grow short, he still enjoys his birds. An elegant telling, combined with beautifully rendered illustrations create a naturalistic and positive glimpse of life and death.
VERDICT An excellent book to teach appreciation of our elders, as well as a study in grief and hope.
Reviewed by Tracy Cronce , Jan 07, 2022

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