Lewis and his moth comfort one another one night by sharing memories of Grandpa who dies some year earlier.

This is a short picture book suitable for younger readers. I really enjoyed this story and I believe that it sends a nice message about the importance of good memories and family. I believe that this would be a nice story for families to read together because it centers around a child's relationship with his grandfather. The illustrations are lovely and I believe that they are important to the story because it allows the child's memories to come to life for the reader. I believe that I would enjoy utilizing this book more as a parent than a teacher, but it is definitely a book that I would encourage a child to read, especially if they are dealing with a death in the family (similar to what happens in the story). Overall, I feel that this was a heartfelt, concise story that would be appropriate for young children, especially with their families. ( )

Lewis, a young boy misses his grandfather that died when he was two years old. His mother appreciate the memories that Lewis has and remember the time with his grandfather together.

As part of a pre-Father’s Day tradition that we are starting with our son, we walk to the local library and find books that focus on dads or grandpas. The task is quite difficult, unless the library is savvy enough to make a display – which ours did not.

In our search, we found a tiny treasure of a book called My Grandson Lew. Based on the title, I thought it would be a heartwarming tale of a Grandpa and a Grandson going on a trip (the cover has Grandpa with a suitcase and a joyful Lew hugging his leg), but instead it is a simple yet thoughtful story of a boy who remembers his Grandpa after he has passed. His memories touch not only his mother in the story, but the reader as well (at least they did for me).

In this 1974 book (an oldie but still a goodie) Lew wakes from his sleep amid dreams that remind him of the good times with his grandfather. Unbeknownst to his mother, Lew has fond and vivid memories of this grandfather. His amazing candor and appreciation remind his mother that while her father may be gone, he left a lasting impression.

The book shows an ethereal image of the grandfather in all white. He retells the story that his grandfather was there at night when he woke up and need to reassured. Lew remembers different aspects of this grandfather (including his smoking pipe – very 1974). He also remembers the times that his parents were away and how safe and comfortable his grandfather made him feel, and most of all that he misses him.

I miss him.
So do I, Lew’s mother said.
But now
We will remember him together
And neither of us
Will be so lonely
As we would be
If we had to remember him alone.

The author, Charlotte Zolotow, has been a distinguished children's book editor for 38 years with Harper Junior Books. She has more than 70 picture books in her portfolio, including such classic works as Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present (Harper, 1962) and William's Doll (Harper, 1972). In fact, an award is given in her name every year to the author of the best picture book text published in the United States.

My Grandson Lew, while a simple read, is deep in theme and message. It is a story that reminds everyone of the love that a grandfather gives to a family.
Review by Ryan Lalonde at Book Dads ( )