One, Two, Grandpa Loves You

Starred review from February 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-In this joy-filled follow-up to One, Two, Grandma Loves You, readers are invited to join the same young girl, and this time her beloved grandfather, as they journey together to an eagerly anticipated camping trip. Once again set to the rhyming tune of "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe," the book begins with opening spreads that depict a mixed-race child and her puffy ponytail, giddy with anticipation for her grandfather's arrival. Her father, who presents Black, and mother, who presents white, open the door to reveal Grandpa, who is also Black. The pair quickly set off for their adventure, which features plenty of traffic and no shortage of heartfelt sing-alongs. The duo eventually arrives at their destination, reveling in the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors, as well as each other's company. All too soon, the trip must come to an end, but plans are already in motion for their next expedition. Yaccarino's signature illustrations feature bold, bright colors and patches of pattern on each spread, coupled flawlessly with Becker's exhilarating text to capture the immeasurable love shared between the child and her grandfather. VERDICT Sure to be a cherished favorite, this simple but resonant book is highly recommended for early elementary collections.-Olivia Gorecke

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2023
A child goes on an overnight camping trip with Grandpa. Verse inspired by the nursery rhyme "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" describes this brown-skinned grandfather and grandchild's outing. "One, two, / Grandpa loves you." Grandpa arrives to pick up the child, and the child's parents--one light-skinned, one brown-skinned--help load up the car and wave goodbye. Once Grandpa and the little one arrive at their destination, the pair spend an action-packed day together ("Three, four, / hike, explore") before roasting marshmallows and falling asleep ("Nine, ten, / all snuggled in"). The next morning, they cook breakfast and skip stones, then return home, excited to do it again soon ("Nine, ten / can we go again?"). The simple, spare text is brought to life by Yaccarino's visuals. From true and tender embraces to sweeping mountainscapes, the illustrations establish a sense of place and the bond between Grandpa and grandchild. The images are full of bold colors, and thick black outlines carve out features and details. One standout illustration plays with perspective, showing the travel buddies stuck in traffic as the rest of the cars fade into a single color, the two of them the most important image on the page. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Like a scrapbook of sweet memories with a beloved grandparent. (Picture book. 2-5)

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