Stones for Grandpa
A young boy remembers his grandfather as the year following Grandpa’s death comes to a close. He recalls holidays and special occasions spent with Grandpa as well as those same occurrences this year in his absence, and although the boy worries he might forget his grandfather, Mommy reassures that “memories of someone you love never get lost.” Finally, the child and his extended family gather at the cemetery for a Jewish dedication ceremony where Grandpa’s gravestone is formally unveiled and family members place small stones on the grave to celebrate special memories of him. Londner’s thoughtful story is sensitive to the issues surrounding the grieving process yet never becomes maudlin. Avilés’ gentle illustrations employ a bright spring palette that lightens the mood even as it respects the story’s serious content. This makes an excellent resource for young families that have experienced a death; pair with Sandy Lanton’s Daddy’s Chair (1991), a title that explains the Jewish bereavement custom of sitting shivah, which occurs during the week immediately following a death. Grades K-3. --Kay Weisman--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.