AT THE DROP OF A CAT

A French child expresses love for a Spanish grandfather in this French import.

A dark-haired, pale-skinned 6-year-old adores spending time with their grandfather, whom they call Luis. The sensitively written text reveals Luis’ struggles without presenting him as lesser. The young narrator loves how Luis mixes up idioms, the source of the book’s title. Because Luis fled Spain as a child during “a terrible war” and had to work to support himself in France, he never went to school or learned to read and write. Although early on the narrator informs us, “I’m learning to read and write,” this does not turn into a story centered on Luis’ illiteracy. Instead, the grandchild lovingly details their grandfather’s appreciation for birds, cats, and the natural world as well as his many skills, like gardening, cooking, playing guitar, and painting. “Dad says Luis is as good as Henri Rousseau,” the text reads, which provides insight into the artistic inspiration behind Lópiz’s lush, naïve style and flat aesthetic. By book’s end, the narrator can read well, and Luis celebrates this accomplishment with a gift that reinforces their special bond and brings this stunning and tender tale to a satisfying conclusion. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Warmhearted and affirming—one to pick up.