Grandpa is here

At the airport, a girl waits with her parents for her Iranian grandfather to arrive. Seeing him again, she suddenly feels shy--but not for long. After he unpacks, they sit together and make a game of cracking walnuts from his tree. They speak different languages, but their laughter bridges the gap. Later, they walk together through the rolling hills near her home. Though it appears to be late autumn and his visit will last through the winter, she wishes he could stay longer. At dinner, more relatives come to celebrate being together again. Watching snow fall that night, the girl hopes that her time with Grandpa will pass slowly. Similar in tone to Rosie and Groenink's Mum, Me, and the Mulberry Tree (2022), this understated story focuses on another steadfast relationship between a child and a beloved family member. The verse text, written from the girl's viewpoint, usually includes rhymes; it reads aloud beautifully, and the mixed-media illustrations portray the characters and landscape with becoming warmth and grace. A quiet, captivating picture book.

A grandfather's visit from overseas sparks wonder, sadness, and joy. Upon first seeing Grandpa at the airport, the unnamed young protagonist is overcome with timidity. But back at home, the child is delighted by the treats Grandpa has brought back from his homeland, including walnuts from his very own trees. Although the protagonist doesn't speak Farsi and Grandpa doesn't seem to speak English, the two set off on an adventure through the main character's world. The child shows Grandpa "the darkest path in the world," a horse named Santiago, a frog named Malou, and a hill called Rabbit-View. The protagonist wishes Grandpa could see even more, like the coming of spring and falling snow. Realizing Grandpa can't stay forever, the child becomes emotional. But after the tears dry and a raucous family dinner, the protagonist is thrilled when, in the middle of the night, it begins to snow--one wish granted. "I reach out a hand…and hope that these days go slowly." This tender tale in verse is a touching portrayal of the complex reality of having family members who live far away. While the author leaves out some details, like what country the grandfather comes from, the gorgeously lit illustrations and lyrical, rhyming text make for a gentle, fulfilling read. The child, Mum, and Grandpa are tan-skinned; Dad is light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet, contemplative ode to long-distance familial relationships. (Picture book. 2-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.