THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS

In this picture book about making connections through generations, the good old days aren’t in the past.

Danny and Grandpa Dan are very close. Walking through the woods with Grandpa Dan “is Danny’s first and most favorite memory.” Grandpa Dan always tells Danny that they’re living the good old days when they’re together. The lesson sticks with Danny through his escapades as he grows up, whether near Grandpa Dan’s house, at the coast, or even on his own in South America. Everywhere he goes, Danny reminds himself that the days he’s living are the good old days. They’re especially good when he’s with his family. Danny passes the lesson down to his own child in the same woods where he grew up. Although there’s a story of grief in the background (Grandpa Dan becomes “too old to go on adventures”), the overall tone of the touching book remains meditative and mindful. The spirit of gratitude is never at odds with the sense of adventure Danny imparts throughout, but it serves as a reminder to young readers—and grown-ups—not to take any moment for granted. Daniel uses succinct text on each page, with Grandpa Dan’s repeated refrain driving the message home. McDougall’s digital sketch illustrations of the white family sometimes feature loose or double lines, giving impressions of the characters rather than specifics. This technique makes the images feel blurry, leaving readers to imagine the details.

A poignant, nostalgic tale that emphasizes the value of living each moment.