THE HEART NEVER FORGETS

A child grieves for a beloved grandfather.

In this story told from the perspective of a young child, a small town gathers for the masquerade—a West African event where people don masks representing ancestors, spirits, or deities. This masquerade, however, is different for our young protagonist—it’s the first one without Grandpa. Taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells, the child recalls the akaras that Grandpa loved to eat and the way he smiled as he shared them. The drums thump louder, and musicians join the din as the festival ramps up while the family reminisces about Grandpa. Everyone has brought an item that belonged to Grandpa except the young narrator, who has something else planned. The masquerade is in full swing now, and people in dazzlingly colorful masks march by as the child waits. The time has come for the little one to dance in celebration of Grandpa—in the past, the child “danced only when Grandpa played,” and he lives on in the child’s memories. The simple, poetic language guides readers through this heartfelt story of grief and love. The vividly textured illustrations are captivating. A wonderful read-aloud, this tale will especially resonate with those dealing with loss.

A stirring reminder of loss that balances joy with sadness.