Stones for Grandpa

K-Gr 2—A gentle and moving account of a child's grief during the first year following his grandfather's death. The boy experiences the Jewish year of holidays without his grandpa to hang the lights in the Sukkah, spin the dreidel, and march in the Purim parade with him. His mother helps him to remember Grandpa with a memory box of keepsakes and photos, reassuring him that memories of those we love will always be with us. The story ends with a trip to the cemetery for the unveiling of the grandfather's tombstone, marking the end of the official year of mourning. Family and friends participate in the ritual by leaving stones on it. One places a rock from a schoolyard, another leaves a piece of sea glass, marking their visit and leaving a timeless reminder. The text and illustrations accurately portray mourning rituals, though the mention and depiction of leaving flowers at the grave may seem unusual to some readers. Fresh flowers are not traditionally part of Jewish funerals, though the use of them in cemeteries is becoming more common in Israel. The cartoon illustrations depict days without Grandpa and memories of special times when he was alive. This reassuring tale is a solid addition to Judaic collections or for libraries needing additional titles that address death and grief.—Martha Link Yesowitch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC