Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"Some grandmas and grandpas/ are quiet and calm.// But my grandma and grandpa?/ They're the BOMB!" Musicians Benatar and Giraldo earnestly rhyme their way through a celebration of hip grandparents in this "rocking" tribute. The upbeat story unfolds via separate sketches of each figure, culminating in an interactive interlude that prompts readerly reflection: "Is there something that your grandpa likes to do/ that's special to him and special to you?" Enthusiastic lines then highlight rock as "a state of mind// like feeling happy or being kind," and something that's accessible to all sorts of caregivers, regardless of their gig. Emulating gouache and colored pencil techniques, Everett's digital renderings depict figures with various abilities and skin tones united by music, in this tribute to the way music can connect. Ages 3--8. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--This sweet picture book from a star-powered writing team will be enjoyed by all generations of readers. Grandparents don't have to be famous musicians like Benatar and Giraldo to be rockin' with the children who love them. In vibrant colors and cartoon-style, playful illustrations, awesome elders of all races and ages are highlighted, from pilots to teachers to chefs. The connection among all these diverse people is showcased in the ways they love and care for their grandchildren. With its lyrical, rhyming language and fourth wall-breaking moments, the book has strong story time appeal. VERDICT Children won't need a lesson on the history of rock to join this celebration of intergenerational love.--Maria Bohan
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Rock legends, husband-and-wife team, and proud grandparents Benatar and Giraldo present an upbeat ode to families. A youngster with long blond hair confides conspiratorially, "This might come as a bit of a shock, // but my grandma and grandpa…ROCK!" The silver-haired duo--who resemble the co-authors--jam out in a practice space; Grandpa strums an electric guitar, while Grandma belts out a tune, microphone in hand. (All three are pale-skinned.) Jagged star strokes burst from the amps, reverberating across the page. As the young narrator sings the praises of these hip, artistically minded grandparents, the illustrations depict many varied, diverse families making music. One grandparent strums a ukulele, another prefers the drums, and an especially eclectic granny croons everything from lullabies to Led Zeppelin while cooking. There's no wrong way to share joy with grandparents. Benatar and Giraldo acknowledge that you don't have to be a musician to rock ("Anyone can rock! / It's a state of mind, / like feeling happy or being kind") as they speak to other passions and occupations ("They can be a plumber, a chef, a pilot, a teacher"). One spread showcases other names for grandparents, both colloquial and cultural, presented without disrupting the text's rhythm. As expected, this pair lays down a steady beat with a smooth flow. Everett's energetic art, with musical swooshes and swirls, buoys the text. A fresh, melodic take on family harmony.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
