Spendin’ Time

Gary R. Gray, Jr. is a poet and educator who writes for young children and adults, and he is the host of the podcast It’s Personal. His Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor winning and critically acclaimed picture book debut, I’m From was inspired by growing up in Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada’s oldest Black community. He and his wife have been international educators for more than ten years. You can visit him online at garyrgrayjr.com. Rahele Jomepour Bell is a multi-award-winning Iranian American children’s book creator and illustration professor at the Kansas City Art Institute. She has illustrated several books, including To Change a Planet; Book’s Big Adventure; Our Favorite Day of the Year; and I Will Always Be… Her inspiration comes mostly from her childhood, Friday night family gatherings at her grandparents’ house, and illustrated books from around the world. Rahele is happiest creating illustrations that send the imagination flying, offer a new look at an old idea, and reassure the viewer of their place in this world. You can visit her at rahelestudio.com.

In a sweetly sensate picture book, a simple grocery run unfurls into a brimful, golden day for a child “spendin’ time” with their grand-father. [A] roundly rendered tribute to the treasure of unhurried time with loved ones. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)[Bell’s] impressionistic images shimmer, while Gray’s text has an easy, folksy rhythm that mirrors Granddad’s own relaxed attitude; this is as much a love letter to grandparents as it is to Preston, Nova Scotia, where Gray spent time with his own grandparents. As warm and nourishing as apple pie. — Kirkus (starred review)For children, an invitation for “spendin’ time” with a beloved family member may inspire appreciation for their own everyday memories. — Booklist[T]his is all about enjoying an unplanned, unscheduled meandering with no goal in mind other than to simply be with one another. [E]asy and rhythmic. — BCCBSweet and nostalgic, [i]t is rare that a book comes around with such an unassuming and quiet message that is all joy and no strife. — BookPage[Gray’s] text is soothing with a nice rhythm. Bell’s soft mixed-media illustrations capture the closeness between grandson and grandfather. — Horn BookGray’s loving tribute tells the story of a boy spending the day with Grandad. The stylized, cheerful, animated artwork exudes love for family, home, and community. Its warm palette feels like a hug from a grandparent. A good choice for libraries needing realistic picture book fiction about relationships with grandparents. — School Library Journal