HANGING OUT WITH GRAM

Today, Mateo plans to spend the day with Gram, and what a day it will be! The youngster’s to-do list includes going to the park and the beach—“things that are exactly right for my sweet old Gram.” Looking fit in her red overalls and sporting dark hair with just a streak of gray, spry Gram surprises Mateo as she throws herself into each activity with vigor. When Mateo suggests “a nice, slow walk” through the park, active Gram challenges her grandchild to a race that leaves the little one gasping for air. And when Mateo suggests riding the jitney to the seashore, Gram spots two bikes and proposes they cycle there instead. At the beach, Mateo decides it’s time for a sedate dip in the shallow waters, but Gram wows onlookers with her surfing skills. Their busy day is capped with dinner and a story. Vowing to take good care of Gram, sleepy Mateo nods off; meanwhile, Gram’s still got items to cross off her own list. Throughout, Mateo narrates with a bewildered understatement that nevertheless exudes tenderness and affection. Soft-hued, blue-tinged artwork gently contradicts the text, resulting in a sweet-natured, witty narrative certain to be treasured by readers, especially those fortunate enough to have a grandparent as loving and involved as Gram. Mateo is brown-skinned; Gram is lighter-skinned.