Kid Grampa

By Vernon Hamilton

“In this bedtime story for all ages, a grandpa and his five-year-old grandson bring together two generations in a delightful conversation about their favorite childhood activities.
When Grampa tells his grandson that “a long time ago I was a little boy like you,” the kid is intrigued. The two partake in such pursuits as playing with a dog, drawing, and building blocks while discussing Grampa’s beloved childhood pastimes.
The boy has many questions. For example, he inquires if young Grampa liked to sway on a swing, sled down hills, climb mountains, and visit the beach. Each time, Grampa responds, “Oh yes!”—and shares how that particular activity “was one of my favorite things.”
After Grampa recalls how he enjoyed eating ice cream as a kid, grandfather and grandson snack on ice cream cones. Then the boy asks: “What is your favorite thing now Grampa?” The man responds: “I still like ice cream very much…but my very favorite thing is being your Grampa.” Grandfather and grandson embrace.
Hamilton’s tale is sweet and straightforward. Older relatives and curious youngsters will certainly relate to the characters’ nostalgic conversation. The dialogue is featured via speech bubbles, which emphasizes the conversational tone of the story. The uncredited, computerized illustrations have a realistic quality. The boy’s visualizations of Grampa as a kid depict the man’s gray-bearded face on a child’s body, adding a humorous twist and delivering vivid insight into the kid’s imagination.
A charming and sentimental intergenerational tale that will appeal to grandparents and grandchildren.”
— KIRKUS REVIEWS

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: May 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665718738

Vernon Hamilton

Vernon Hamilton is president of Atlantic Coast Marketing, Inc., a million-dollar bookseller to schools and other government agencies since 1989. In the earliest years of the internet, Hamilton created the first website (bookladder.com) specializing in African-American children’s books. He is the author of the children’s book, Isn’t It Scary, and Dead Man’s Hat, a play that was performed at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.

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