GRANDADDY AND JANETTA

In a six-chapter companion to Georgia Music (1986) and Grandaddy's Place (1987), Janetta returns to her grandfather's Georgia cabin after a year back in Baltimore. She's anxious about leaving Momma behind, about traveling alone, and especially about Grandaddy—will they still recognize each other? But Grandaddy quickly puts Janetta at ease; his dry humor and tall tale about a trip to see the whole US with his mule reawaken the warm familiarity they've enjoyed on previous visits. Only the cat doesn't appear, at first, to welcome Janetta; but she soon turns up with a litter of kittens, one of which Janetta will take home to keep Momma company so that Janetta can visit more often. It's not clear where this visit fits in chronologically, but—with unusual charm and unassuming lyricism—the book stands beautifully on its own. Stevenson's delicately adroit lines and soft colors nicely enhance the quiet mood and gentle wit. (Young reader/Picture book. 5-9)