Following Grandfather

K-Gr 3—A heartwarming tale of love and loss, privilege and class, set in bustling Boston. Jenny is a mouse who is looked after by her wise and worldly grandfather while her parents run the family restaurant. Summer days are spent at the beach where she savors the taste of clams lovingly prepared by her grandfather with "a little olive oil and a dab of fresh mozzarella." It is during these visits that she learns that life is not necessarily better for those privileged with expensive possessions. Grandfather imparts this knowledge to his granddaughter by traveling through the diverse neighborhoods of the city, introducing her to the many ways that mice make a living and treating all whom they encounter with respect and dignity. One day, Jenny's world of comfort and adventure is shattered when Grandfather passes away. Unable to absorb the loss, she thinks she sees him all around town. She finds peace when she receives a special message from him in the sand and shells of their beloved beach. Beautifully written text and endearing gray-scale illustrations transport readers and add to the poignancy of the tale. The message that all people are worthy of respect is artfully delivered and the manner in which Jenny mourns her grandfather's death will evoke empathy from young readers who have suffered a similar loss. A must-have for most collections.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE