GRANDMA’S TIMELESS WISDOM

Wong explores the relationship between a boy and his loving grandmother in this illustrated children’s book.

In this heartwarming story, a boy named Charlie and his grandmother experience simple, everyday summer activities together, such as bike riding, eating ice cream, and reading. As they go about their days, Grandma imparts tidbits of wisdom, including lessons on manners, loving others, and finding gratitude for the small things. (When Grandma buys Charlie ice cream, she reminds him, “good manners cost nothing but mean everything.”) From the start of summer, when the boy hugs his grandma hello, to the end, when he rides off into the sunset with his dad, readers witness the beautiful connection between the two. This is truly a heartwarming book that would make a perfect gift—while it’s written about one child and his grandmother, the lessons can be applied to anyone. On every page, a feeling of warmth and gratitude emanates from Wong’s words, and Smolenceva’s illustrations flow effectively with the text. For example, when Charlie asks his grandma how he can be his best, she responds, “it’s even better to be the best ‘for’ the world”; the accompanying illustration captures them freeing a turtle from litter and picking up trash from the beach. The beauty of the narrative is revealed in its simple, ordinary moments of connection that all readers can identify with and cherish (when Charlie roller skates and takes a spill, he asks, “What is success, Grandma?” She answers, “Success is picking yourself back up every time you fall”). The illustrations are stunning, evoking emotions by homing in on the little things that make a lasting impact. Pops of color (such as brown ice cream, a red rose, and a green tree) contrast deftly with the black and white sketches, drawing attention to what matters.

An affecting book that readers will repeatedly return to.