GRAMMIE'S SUITCASE

A child with autism hopes that his grandmother’s gift-filled suitcase holds one special toy in Elliott’s picture book.

When Grammie comes to visit, her little grandson, Grey, is anxious, worried that among all the presents she has brought, she might have forgotten the one toy he requested: a teddy bear with whom he can cuddle, dream, and feel secure—a special friend who will understand Grey even when he struggles: “He’ll know that sometimes, / whenever I’m stressed, / I may sit and rock, / but, he’ll wait ’til I rest.” Children will get a kick out of artist Costello’s watercolor illustrations, which are full of lively detail—showing toys, new clothes, tasty goodies, “stuff for my mom,” and even treats for the family dog flying out of Grammie’s overstuffed suitcase. After a few pages of well-calibrated suspense, which include Costello’s depictions of Grey's ponderings about what to name the bear and what they’ll do together, the satisfying reveal is everything that Grey—and readers—could hope for. Overall, retired pediatrician Elliott tells this tale with gentle warmth; it follows Greyson’s Shoes (2020), her debut and first collaboration with Costello; both books are based on Elliott’s experiences with her autistic grandson.

A colorful, engaging picture book that shows great understanding of its subject.