Grandad's Island

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

After the phenomenal success of The Storm Whale and On Sudden Hill , this new book by Benji Davies deals with the emotional topic of losing a grandparent. Subtly told, this beautifully illustrated book tackles a difficult subject with great sensitivity and depth.

At the bottom of Syd's garden, through the gate and past the tree, is Grandad's house. Syd can let himself in any time he likes. But one day when Syd comes to call, Grandad isn't in any of the usual places. He's in the attic, where he ushers Syd through a door, and the two of them journey to a wild, beautiful island awash in color where Grandad decides he will remain. So Syd hugs Grandad one last time and sets sail for home. Visiting Grandad's house at the bottom of the garden again, he finds it just the same as it's always been -- except that Grandad isn't there anymore. Sure to provide comfort to young children struggling to understand loss, Benji Davies's tale is a sensitive and beautiful reminder that our loved ones live on in our memories long after they're gone.

Books from the World of the Storm Whale:
The Storm Whale
The Storm Whale in Winter
Grandma Bird

Also by Benji Davies:
On Sudden Hill, written by Linda Sarah
When the Dragons Came, written by Naomi Kefford and Lynne Moore
Jump on Board the Animal Train, written by Naomi Kefford and Lynne Moore

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

When faced with death, children are often told, for better or worse, that the person is in a better place now. In the case of a boy named Syd, he knows for a fact that his Grandad is somewhere pretty spectacular. In this gentle, magic-tinged allegory, Grandad lives in a small house back behind Syd's home. After opening a "big metal door" in Grandad's attic, the two are transported to the deck of a giant ocean liner, which towers over the neighboring buildings in their seaside town. A quick journey takes Syd and Grandad to an island dense with jungle foliage and populated by colorful birds, orangutans, and wonders to discover. Together, they refurbish a raggedy shack on stilts and splash around below a waterfall, after which Grandad tells Syd, "I'm thinking of staying," and the boy returns home. "The journey seemed much longer without Grandad," writes Davies. As with The Storm Whale, Davies offers a story of loneliness and togetherness distinguished by understated, deeply felt emotions and a nautical milieu. Ages 4-8. Agent: Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, Bright Literary Agency. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Review

K-Gr 2-Syd pays an ordinary visit to his grandfather's house, when Grandad shows him a mysterious metal door in the attic. Syd and Grandad walk through the door and are suddenly aboard a huge ship. They dock at an island, where Grandad and Syd explore and go swimming. Then Grandad breaks the news to Syd-he is thinking of staying on the island with his jungle animal friends. Syd hugs Grandad one last time and boards the huge ship back to the real world, alone. The next morning, Grandad's house is vacant and the metal door in the attic is gone. Then a toucan delivers a postcard to Syd from Grandad and the jungle animals. This book is innovative and useful as a way to talk about the idea of loss-without ever referring to actual death. Parents and educators can use this to talk with a child about how it's normal to be sad and miss loved ones. It can also be read to explain to children how it might seem strange to see loved ones' old houses empty but that they are in a special place and still love them very much. Cheerful, brightly colored illustrations make this a fine choice to use with the youngest of audiences. Since death isn't directly specified, this title also works for when a child's loved one is moving far away. VERDICT An excellent vehicle to gently approach the topic of loss. Recommended for collections needing these types of materials.-Sara White, Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry, FL © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

The creator of The Storm Whale (2014) offers another thoughtful picture book guaranteed to spark discussion. Young Syd visits Grandad, who takes the boy on an adventure. Opening a hidden attic door reveals an ocean liner that takes the pair to a tropical island where they explore, swim, and relax. When it's time to go home, Grandad decides to stay, and after realizing that he will be happy, Syd returns alone. Davies' digital artwork is rich with saturated colors and full of the details of Grandad's life. The island scenes filled with colorful birds, gentle waterfalls, and beautiful scenery are reminiscent of Richard Egielski's paradise depictions in Arthur Yorinks' Hey, Al (1986). Will young readers get that Grandad dies? Maybe not. What they will understand is that Grandad is gone, he is okay, and Syd has wonderful memories of their times together. And for many, that will be explanation enough. Recommend to young families dealing with loss, especially those who prefer to gloss over the scientific realities.--Weisman, Kay Copyright 2016 Booklist