by Moe Zilla

Created on: March 11, 2010

Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite children's book authors, but he was just 26 when he wrote and illustrated "Grandpa and Bo."  It rambles through the lazy summer a young boy spends with his grandfather, simply describing their time together. But Henkes contributes some realistic illustrations that make the characters come to life.  Each page shows another activity they're enjoying -  and captures the summer's warm moments.

There's silly jokes together, like when Bo asks about a thin green insect. Grandpa answers "That's a praying mantis, but we can call him Ralph."  And then the story rambles away to their next shared moment. ("Grandpa laughed. So did Bo...") On the next page, they've given names to the blue gill fish in a nearby lake. But Bo doesn't want to eat fish that they've named, so they eat hot dogs for lunch instead.

The book's inside front cover features Bo's illustrations of the sights of his summer with Grandpa.  (There's the fish and the praying mantis, plus Bo's the shooting star Bo was hoping to see.) It's actually a good symbol for the story of the book - because there really isn't a traditional story. In the end "Grandpa and Bo" is just a collection of things that amused the young boy - but it's a fun and gentle read.

And each sketch gets a yellow pastel tint, like a warm, wistful haze of summer. (My favorite drawing shows the sun reflecting on the lake, as the two are seen in a distant silhouette sitting on the hill under a big tree.)  When Bo arrives, there's a "Welcome Bo!" banner - as his father (with a scraggly beard) photographs his tossle-haired son. Henke's illustrations contribute most of the details for the story.

Bo complains he only sees Grandpa at Christmas - so they decide to enjoy a summer Christmas celebration. Grandpa plays Christmas music on his stereo, and that night they enjoy turkey dinner. "Merry Christmas, Bo..." says Grandpa.

"There's no one I'd rather have it with."

The night before Bo leaves, they sit under the same tree again. The author skillfully avoids mentioning any feelings - but notes simply that Bo had a hard time sleeping. And then looking in the sky, Bo finally sees his first shooting star. Both Bo and his grandfather make a wish - though they know they're not supposed to reveal what they've wished for.

"I bet I know," said Bo.
"I bet my wish and yours are exactly the same," his grandfather replies.

Learn more about this author, Moe Zilla.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.