The suitcase

A young boy's desperation for something to make a summer spent at his grandparents' home more exciting fuels his search for a mystery to solve in this picture book. After plenty of exploring, he finds a suitcase full of old pictures, medals, and even a cassette tape that belonged to an adventurous, musical couple who seem way more interesting than his grandparents, if he could only figure out who they are. Kids will have fun unlocking this mystery as they examine the clearly labeled clues as well as the other clues sprinkled throughout the illustrated scenes of the boy's grandparents visiting the farmers market or examining a bicycle built for two. Adults will appreciate the attention to detail on things like the box of records referencing some iconic album covers, and readers of all ages will be charmed by the silent but emotive cat that accompanies the boy on his fact-finding mission.

A summer vacation turns from dull to exciting. A young tot with rosy cheeks and a scribble of brown hair is visiting Grandma and Grandpa one summer. The days are long, and the routine never seems to change. The youngster wishes for a mystery to solve to break up the monotony. With help from a feline friend, the child finds an old suitcase in the dusty attic. Inside are strange and ancient relics: photographs of an unknown but adventurous couple, ticket stubs, mementos, and the most mysterious item of all--a small rectangular piece of plastic labeled "Pink Floyd" ("not sure what this is…some sort of spying equipment?"). "Could Grandma and Grandpa know anything about this suitcase?" The curious narrator decides to do some investigating. But close inspection of the duo over the next few days doesn't reveal anything--or does it? Eagle-eyed readers will spot clues that the distracted narrator misses. Still, not all kids have yet come to the realization that the elders they love once lived very different lives; the big reveal just might be a surprise to many. Sepia tones and other deep colorings lend warmth and comfort to this familial tale, which will have readers eagerly scouring old photo albums and delving deep into their own family histories. The characters have lightly tanned skin. A heartwarming bridge between young and old. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.