GRANDPA'S LONELY, ISN'T HE?

Cooper’s debut illustrated picture book explores the changes and adjustments that families have had to manage during enforced separations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the story opens, a young, unnamed, apparently preschool-aged reptile misses his grandpa, a dog. He begins to wonder not only where his grandparent is, but also what he’s doing and who’s helping him without his close family members around, like they used to be. The compassionate boy, who lives in a comfortable suburban setting with two parents and plenty of toys, has several worries and concerns about Grandpa; for instance, without assistance, how will grandpa keep his house clean, locate his glasses, or do his laundry? DeWitt’s detailed illustrations begin as black-and-white line drawings but soon include full-color images that show the child playing with Grandpa at his house—flashbacks that effectively demonstrate the closeness of their relationship. In these scenes, readers see an energetic, involved grandparent who builds construction sets, plays make-believe, and is just about the best playmate any young reader could hope for. Over the course of this book, the text is rather limited apart from somewhat overly explanatory pedagogic moments from the child’s mother (a raccoon) and father (a dog) who put positive spins on isolation: “Until this virus and its variants are truly subdued, we take up projects we’ve been meaning to get to. We think about things we don’t usually have time for. I’ll bet that Grandpa has found interesting things to do.”

An earnest kids’ story that aims to build resilience and optimism in young readers.