Description
Book Synopsis“I hate the food here,” Grandpa said. “ They’ve taken all the joy out of it. Not even the water tastes any good.” “Perhaps you should run away,” I suggested. “I did a lot of that when I was young,” he said. “But I think it’s a bit late now...” But by the time I had to leave for the bus, we’d made a plan.
Trade Review"A touching, realistic, gently humorous story of how a sensitive boy copes with his treasured grandfather’s decline."
-- Kirkus Review, starred
"Autumn-hued illustrations by Crowther (Stories of the Night) juxtapose the dull hospital against glorious piney islands and a light-filled sea. Stark straightforwardly conveys family tensions, end-of-life concerns, and intergenerational adoration alongside an archipelago’s worth of vivid details."
-- Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Deftly drawn and sometimes amusing, the character portrayals are utterly convincing. Expressive full-page illustrations add color to the pages while supporting the story’s tone. An unusual adventure story with a core of mutual grandfather-grandson affection."
-- Booklist, starred review
"The writing is unflashy and deadpan except for when it’s unflashy and musical. Crowther’s bright, naïve pencil illustrations fit the offbeat text."
-- The New York Times
