My Grandson, Lew

My Grandson Lew, (Ursula Nordstrom Book) Review by Ryan LaLonde at Book Dads As part of a pre-Father's Day tradition that we are starting with our son, we walk to the local library and find books that focus on dads or grandpas. The task is quite difficult, unless the library is savvy enough to make a display - which ours did not. In our search, we found a tiny treasure of a book called My Grandson Lew. Based on the title, I thought it would be a heartwarming tale of a Grandpa and a Grandson going on a trip (the cover has Grandpa with a suitcase and a joyful Lew hugging his leg), but instead it is a simple yet thoughtful story of a boy who remembers his Grandpa after he has passed. His memories touch not only his mother in the story, but the reader as well (at least they did for me). In this 1974 book (an oldie but still a goodie) Lew wakes from his sleep amid dreams that remind him of the good times with his grandfather. Unbeknownst to his mother, Lew has fond and vivid memories of this grandfather. His amazing candor and appreciation remind his mother that while her father may be gone, he left a lasting impression. The book shows an ethereal image of the grandfather in all white. He retells the story that his grandfather was there at night when he woke up and need to reassured. Lew remembers different aspects of this grandfather (including his smoking pipe - very 1974). He also remembers the times that his parents were away and how safe and comfortable his grandfather made him feel, and most of all that he misses him. " I miss him. So do I, Lew's mother said. But now We will remember him together And neither of us Will be so lonely As we would be If we had to remember him alone." The author, Charlotte Zolotow, has been a distinguished children's book editor for 38 years with Harper Junior Books. She has more than 70 picture books in her portfolio, including such classic works as Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present (Harper, 1962) and William's Doll (Harper, 1972). In fact, an award is given in her name every year to the author of the best picture book text published in the United States. My Grandson Lew, while a simple read, is deep in theme and message. It is a story that reminds everyone of the love that a grandfather gives to a family.

My son does not have a father in his life. The only father figure that he had -my stepfather- passed away recently. This book was very helpful for him in helping him -along with other family members- in coping with his grandfathers death. This is a story about a young boy remembering his grandpa who has passed away. The boy only knew him for a short period, but the grandp left a everlasting impression that is kept alive in his grandson.

This is one of the first books I remember reading. It is the story of Lew, who is remembering his Grandfather and all the things he loved about him. Without being graphic or overbearing, models grieving for young children and helps them articulate what they'd like to remember about loved ones.

This is one of the treasures of children's literature. My daughter chose it from the library one day and read it to me, and I was spellbound as I listened to my five year old read a story of such depth. A little boy of about six years of age remembers his grandfather who cared for him when the boy was barely out of infancy. The boy's memories are so vivid that his mother is overjoyed to discover that the grandfather, who has died, lives on through the memories of her son. A book that no one seems to know about but which my daughter and I have found to be one of the best we have read in our seven years of reading children's books together. A book that should be included on all children's reading lists.