Review sponsored* by Josh Armstrong
The Children’s Book Review | July 2, 2015
Picture of Grace
Written by Josh Armstrong
Illustrated by Taylor Bills
Age Range: 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Josh Armstrong (February 17, 2015)
ISBN: 978-0986237003
What to expect: Grandparents, Art, Loss of a Grandparent
Grace, a sweet six-year-old girl, loves to visit her Grandpa Walt every week. She loves watching him paint and aspires to be an artist just like him. As Grandpa Walt paints, he shares small and gentle life lessons such as being true to one’s self:
“When I grow up, I want to be just like you,” said Grace
“That’s very kind of you,” said Grandpa Walt, “but I can think of nothing better than you simply being yourself.”
When the owner of the local art gallery that commissions Grandpa Walt’s work applies pressure for a painting to be completed, he teaches Grace: “You can’t rush art.”
As Grace prepares for her next visit with her grandpa, she learns that he has passed away. The local art gallery owner is all too eager to get her hands on Grandpa Walt’s final painting, finished or not. The ending offers a surprise twist that allows for a beautiful moment between family members where they share memories and are allowed a chance to bask in his life and complete his life story. Readers will be reassured and uplifted after seeing how Grace is able to cope with the loss of her grandfather.
The illustrations have a lovely traditional feel combined with a comic edge (as can be seen in the depiction of the villainous art gallery owner). Each picture adds depth and volume to the well-executed story, adding more feeling to the already emotive text.
Picture of Grace is certainly moving and will be well received by families who are suffering or have suffered from loss. It serves as a lovely reminder to cherish life and relish in the memories of lives past—these memories provide the strength to lift spirits. A touching tale!
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Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The author of “Picture of Grace,” Josh Armstrong, sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …
