My Grandson Lew

by Charlotte Zolotow, William Pène du Bois (Illustrator)

Together Lewis and his mother remember Grandpa, who used to come in the night when Lewis called.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Grief, Death

30 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, oh, oh my. Why do these treasures fall out of print for the latest glitz? I had to buy a copy of this. But it's in great shape, and I see no reason that, if displayed or talked, it would not have been checked out and therefore saved by the discarding library.

Perhaps you've read William's Doll, which is almost a companion to this. Imo, that might be a little dated... making this even stronger in comparison. If you liked that, you'll likely love this.
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Reread, going to let my copy go. It is on openlibrary.org.

Normally I do like DuBois' art, but here it's a little odd. Especially the details of the faces. But the compositions and movements are good. And the text brings quiet tear-prickles to my eyes.

[Lobstergirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm tracking down every book illustrated by master illustrator William Pène du Bois.

Although 6-year-old Lewis was only two when he last saw his grandpa, he has fond memories. Grandpa left this mortal coil shortly after...and oddly, his mother didn't tell Lewis, because Lewis never asked where Grandpa was. Lewis remembers going to the art gallery with him, and seeing him stand in the doorway as he drifted off to sleep, and the scratchiness of his beard. Lewis's memories help his mother reminisce. When Lewis was born, Grandpa offered to babysit any time, even though he lived far away. "I know how to take care of babies because I took care of you," he told Lewis's mother.

Grandpa looks an awful lot like Professor William Waterman Sherman from The Twenty-One Balloons. Also, Brent Bozell. Which may be to your taste, or not. Aside from Grandpa's strange Victorian explorer looks, du Bois's illustrations are perfect.

Charlotte Zolotow's text is sweet, and very, very simple.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess not all books are destined to be classics.

My Grandson Lew is a rather boring story about reminiscing. Lewis tells his mother about how his grandfather used to come into his room when he called for him. He also talks about a trip the two took to the museum when he was little. His mother is surprised he remembers. Lewis wishes his grandfather were there, but his mom informs him that the old man is dead. So they remember him together.

I'm not entirely sure that Lew understand what death is. He keeps wanting Grandpa to come back, and his mother doesn't help matters by telling him that, by remembering, he made Grandpa "come back".

Unfortunately, there's not much more story. And the illustrations are pretty forgettable. Also, it's written in an artsy fashion without quotation marks, even though pretty much the whole thing is a conversation between mother and son. I can't see this book really appealing to children. Their parents might appreciate it more.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching.

[Kye Jenkins]

This book is sad. It would be good to comfort children who deal with loss because it is important for them to remember they aren't alone.

[Tessa Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night Lewis talks to his mother about missing his grandfather who he hasn't seen in years. His mother tells him that his grandfather passed away four years ago and she didn't think he remembered because he was so young. Lewis tells his mother everything he can remember about his grandfather, and the two of them remember his grandfather together.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's amazing the memories children have. This child remembers being with his grandfather when he was two years old and he and his mother reminisce. Grandfather has died though and the grandson misses him and asks about him. The message is that it's good to remember those who have passed away.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable but sad book about a grandson remembering his grandfather Lew. He talks about how the beard would scratch his face or how they went to the museum together. He never knew Lew had died though and it is a very well written book.

[Buxmont Uu]

WAMWAO Session 34

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet. So sweet. I was tearing up reading this at the desk. Shouldn't have even been on the cart, as it belongs to a CPL. But there you go.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together Lewis and his mother remember Grandpa, who used to come in the night when Lewis called.

[Dalton Prather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me sad thinking about my grandfather. Memories are truely powerful.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet.