Sun & Spoon

by Kevin Henkes

The Barnes & Noble Review
Since I have the very best grandchildren in the whole wide world, it was inevitable that I would adore "Sun & Spoon"—a book about a grandson seeking a special something to remind him of his recently deceased grandmother. It certainly helped that the story is exceptionally well told and very well written.

Having just published a book about grandparents, I particularly liked the fact that the plot around which this book revolves will have significant meaning to children who have lost a grandparent, or any loved one. Even adults can't adequately prepare for the loss of someone who has been an integral part of their lives. But children, especially, can be confused by the emotions they feel at such a time. For many, the passing away of a grandparent may well be the first time they are confronted with the upheaval that such a death causes to the immediate family. By reading "Sun & Spoon," children faced with the death of a loved one will be comforted in learning that they are not alone in the feelings that come over them during this difficult time. And the coping suggestions subtly made in the book—making a notebook about the deceased grandparent and finding a special memento—are very valuable ones that will hopefully be imitated by many readers.

Henkes is an experienced writer, so he makes sure that it's not just the relationship between ten-year-old Spoon and his late grandmother that unfolds but also those between Spoon and his younger sister, his parents, his older brother, and his grandfather. In each instance, the reader picks up useful insights on theinteractions that take place within a family—information that can be very helpful in dealing with real-life relationships they may encounter within their own family. Of particular importance is the reaction of Spoon's grandfather to losing his wife—his sadness, the changes in his habits. Sometimes it is harder for children to deal with the changes that take place within the character of the surviving spouse than the emotions caused by the disappearance of the person that died, because the personality changes in the survivor are constantly visible to children.

Children may try to push the deceased person out of their mind in order not to have to deal with the pain that accompanies the memories. It is very important that this does not occur, because emotions that are buried can cause more damage later on. Yet parents are prone to protect their children, even though by doing so they are not allowing them to come to terms with the process of mourning. Pyschologically speaking, Spoon's insistence of trying to keep his grandmother's memory alive is a very important example to give to children.

And then, like the chocolate nestled in the center of a Tootsie Pop, is the lesson learned about telling the truth. Subtly delivered, because Spoon's lie is not really so bad, the message comes across more strongly, I believe, than if Spoon had lied maliciously. He finds himself in a situation that any kid might, torn between revealing what he's done or merely trying to right the wrong. His choice is not the easy way out, but the right way.

Rereading what I have written, I see that I've used the word "subtly" several times, and it is that quality that I find of special value. The topic of death is not one easily dealt with, which is why I believe that Henkes should be congratulated for handling it with care while at the same time creating a story that will interest and offer valuable advice to all children, even those who haven't yet had to deal with death.

I heartily recommend "Sun & Spoon." Though I would like to believe that I will last forever, I know the time will come when my grandchildren will have to face the loss of their Omi [grandmother], just as they have already lost their grandfather. I could wish them no better tool to help them deal with such circumstances than to read this book. Recommended for ages 8 and up.—Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Grief, Chapter Books, Family

Paperback

First published September 16, 1997

About the author

Kevin Henkes is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, Olive's Ocean in 2004 and The Year of Billy Miller in 2014. His picture book Waiting was named both a 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book. It was only the second time any author has won that combination of awards.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Blurb says heartbreaking, but that's not quite true. Don't be warned off; it's also heartwarming.)

This is a reread for me. In the Children's Books group, in June 2020, we are discussing 'books with a summer theme.' In the discussion we had just despaired over the bad behavior in *The Penderwicks* and I posted this:
.......
Otoh, one of the main themes in Sun and Spoon is honor & duty. Spoon has a very strong conscience and really tries hard to do the right thing, by himself, his little sister, and his widowed grandfather.

I reread this now because 1. it's Henkes and 2. it takes place in summer. Turns out that viewing it 'through the lens of' the summer setting revealed more explicitly a lot of depth in the story. For example, because it's summer, the annoying big brother is away on a trip and only part of the background. Because it's summer, Spoon's parents (who are teachers) are spending all day in their garden, growing & nurturing both flowers and vegetables (you see the metaphor). Spoon and his sister have more freedom to walk over to their grandfather's home, or squabble, or find projects to do together, or seek privacy... lots of time for Spoon to figure out how to become self-directed and how to get along with the more extroverted 5 yo. The summer setting is almost like a supporting character in its own right.

[Susan Marshall Randlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried all the way through reading this aloud to my daughter after my mother died but it was the perfect thing to help her. I can get teary thinking about it. Definitely a good book for grieving children.

[Todd Wittenmyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a Buddy Read with Stephanie Dickinson and I was glad she suggested this one! This book took me back to my childhood more so than about any other YA. It is the story of a young boy trying to cope with the loss of his Grandmother. He wants something of hers to remember her by and this quest places him in a moral dilemma! I don't do spoilers! 4.0 stars! Thanks for the Buddy Read Stephanie! Her Booktube channel is Bookstrict9Tribute. Cheers everyone!

[Dylan Rice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its OK because it was a bit boring.

[Bobby Simic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:
Spoon's grandmother has recently passed away, and he (as well as his widowed grandfather) is having a hard time coping with the loss. He decides he needs something physical to help him remember her.
Strengths:
Does a good job of illuminating the physical and emotional effects of losing someone and also the anxiety of having the memory of them slip away too.

[elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henkes is one of my favorite picture book authors, and I've read most of his picture books, but this is the only novel of his I've read so far (even though I keep meaning to read OLIVE'S OCEAN). It's very sweet and well written.

[Andrew Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how there was science in the book, so you can identify what happens.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd previously only been familiar with Kevin Henkes for his picture books. Given my rodent-phobia, even though I enjoyed the stories and book club discussions, I can't say that Wemberly Worried, Julius, The Baby of the World, or Chester's Way are favorites. I had no idea that he also writes novels, and now that I do, I'm looking forward to reading more. His writing is beautifully evocative, and his characters-- even the minor ones like Joanie-- are richly layered. The way that Sun processes the loss of his grandmother, on his own and with the other characters (especially his grandfather) was really sweet and relatable.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sun & Spoon is a slow but touching glimpse into a family grieving the death of Gram, who lived five doors down. My 5th graders might be interested because it is short. Otherwise, I think it's too slow and subtle to hold their attention.

[Michael A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasent bad.
Chould be beter.
Over all it was good.

[Grace Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it had tons of simbillisum and was a good book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great quick book to read! L is reading this as her "your choice" book for our parent/child book club this month, mainly because she is a big fan of Kevin Henkes' picture books and we saw this chapter book and decided to give it a try. So glad we did! Henkes is a gifted writer. The siblings in this book behaved very believably in ways that the siblings at my house behave...I mean spot on, from the oldest being a bit standoffish and mean to the middle one, to the middle one craving the oldest's love, to the littlest being kinda weird...perfection. Also, I loved the way Henkes is not afraid to write about what it's really like for a kid who loses a grandparent...it's jolting and scary and final and lonely. Perfect. I remember losing my grandfather at age 8 and feeling like I wanted to talk about it more but being afraid to bring up the topic to talk about my feelings. The dreams in this book are very well done as well. And it's not a hit you over the head with a moral story either. Very good. I'm glad L chose it and glad I got to read it, too! And it took me just over an hour from start to finish.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really touching. I really liked the main character. His name was spoon, (yes ik weird name...) and he was really close to his grandmother. eventually she died, and spoon was trying to find something that would remind him of her.

the whole book is about him trying to find his grandmothers past and trying to find something of hers.

i actually really liked this book!!

u may remember kevin henkes from some of his old childrens books...and i think Chrisanthium. (is that how u spell it??)

[Caren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very sweet little story. The characters feel real and down to earth. There is so much love between the family members that, even though the theme is about coping with a death (of the grandmother), it is, in the end, very uplifting. (How very fortunate this grandfather is to have his grandchildren within walking distance of his house and involved in his daily life.)

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henkes is the author of one of my favorite children's picture books, Chrysanthemum. This is a chapter book and deals with a boy and the death of his Gram. We all enjoyed the story and the kids asked for it each night.

[Amhveggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun & Spoon was the first Kevin Henkes novel I read. After reading Spoon's story I got hooked on Henkes!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! He writes feelings that my heart has known so intimately...

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Joanie the little sissy wuz so funny and cute

[Taya Eslinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun and spoon is a book by Kevin henkes is about a little kid named Spoon and he’s 10 years old. Two months ago His grandma passed away and he doesn’t want to forget her. Because she played a big roll in his life and he can feel the memories slowly slipping through his fingers. He is one of three kids including his brother Charlie who is twelve and his sister Joanie who is six. Charlie leaves to go out west and Joanie always wants to follow along.


He wants to find something of his grandmothers so he can have something to remember her by but he refused to have something like earrings or perfume. He goes to his grandpa’s house to find something of hers. He then finds a deck of cards with suns on them. He steals them and takes them home. Already he felt closer to her but guilty because he stole them.


This book puts you in Spoons position in the excitement he is feeling now that he finally found something but guilt because he stole them and it was his grandfathers . The book takes you along in his journey everywhere he goes. It is about him finding what is the right thing to do. Does he returns the deck of cards or keeps them to make himself happy.


This book I would rate 4/5 because it’s in my opinion because I can deeply relate to spoon and the problems he faces because I lost my grandfather and felt the same way about several things that he struggles with. I would recommend this for teens from 12 to 16 because it’s a pretty easy read but still has pretty deep meanings and underlying themes.

[Don Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1997 Penguin Group Puffin Books released Kevin Henke’s’ children’s book “Sun & Spoon.” The book tells a story about 10 year old Frederick Gilmore (nicknamed Spoon), his sister, older brother, parents, and grandparents who struggle with the grief over the unexpected heart attack death of grandparent Martha (Gram). As the family copes with her death, “Spoon” searches for an artifact that was owned by Gram. He discovers that Gram had a deck of playing cards with a beautiful backside image of the sun. Spoon finds the cards in a breakfront drawer in his grandfather’s home.” He steals the cards and then later learns that the cards are treasured by Gram’s husband whose nickname is “Pa.” When Pa discovers the cards have mysteriously disappeared he is very sad. Spoon is stunned by Pa’s sadness and confesses that he took the cards from the breakfront drawer. Two days later Spoon had a dream about Martha Gram’s image of “M” in the palms of his family’s hands. When he awakes, Spoon looks at his palms and sees the “M” mage he is deeply moved. His discovery is the ultimate “Gram” artifact. He shares the discovery with his family, friends, and loved ones. Spoon’s grief is over when he discovers that Gram is a part of everyone. The children’s book storylines and spiritual themes of love are wonderful. (P)

[Stevi Cervantes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn superb!
I read this book back in the fourth or fifth grade and it had a big impact on me then even though no one I had known had died. It’s been many many years since my first read and I now know many people who have died, a few very close. This book was one of the first things that popped in my head when trying to think of ways to cope with the grief I was experiencing from the passing of my stepfather. This tiny guy packs a lot of big ideas into less than 150 pages and makes those ideas very accessible as it is middle grade. The story is sweet and heartwarming and manages to create a cozy atmosphere despite the big emotions our main character Spoon has to navigate. I highly recommend this book to anyone experiencing any sort of loss.

[Kendra Andrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple and short relatable book about a 10-year-old and a grandpa as they navigate the grief of losing a loved one to unexpected death. It made me cry. It's an excellent little book to build empathy for others, to understand the experiences/feelings/desires common to us all in grief, and to notice good descriptive writing and notice metaphors and motifs woven through a story. This book is a great example of how important reading stories about others are in developing our own character, our own imagining of how we will tackle hard things and be heroic and responsive in our own lives and struggles. It is a simple read (bordering on slow and boring), but has a lot of depth and meaning.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been only two months since Spoon Gilmore's grandmother died, but already he was worried that he would forget her. That's why he needed something of Gram's - something special that had belonged to her, something to remember her by.

Spoon wasn't quite sure what the something was, though he knew he would know it when he saw it. But Spoon's little sister, Joanie, did not leave him much time to look. She was always following him, demanding attention. Spoon didn't have the time he needed to think, or perhaps he wouldn't have done what he did.

02 Nutmeg State Children's Book Award Masterlist and 00-01 Young Reader's Choice Award Program Masterlist

[Seraphinah Bellrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me back. My first major loss was my grandmother, but it wasn't her obsessed with the sun. It was me. I constantly look for things with little smiley sun icons, or bright yellow sparkles, or anything that gives off that radiant vibe. In fact, one of the first items I made once I got back into sewing (sewing was something she had been teaching me when she passed) was a sun-inspired dress.

I wasn't exactly the same as Spoon in the way that I chose to grieve but I felt his pain, and I understood a lot of the things he was struggling to say and express. The author did a great job capturing that. And I love, love, loooooooooooooooooooooooooooved the way it ended. It could not have been more perfect

Four and a calf out of five cows. Definitely recommend

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoon is searching for a token that will help him remember his grandmother who has recently passed away. Finally, he finds the prefect thing: the deck of cards she used to play triple solitaire with. But when Spoon's grandfather confesses that he's looking for the cards, Spoon reluctantly puts them back and tells his Pa that he's the one that had taken them. This strong love brings Spoon and Pa closer together and Spoon discovers something even better to remind him of grandma.

[Jerzey Wadena · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/5 stars

I read this in one sitting. It’s truly amazing how this book depicts grief and such emotions, I am just truly amazed. I was a child who felt these same feelings with the passing of my grandma. This book had me sobbing the whole time, I went thru so many tissues. This booked helped me heal, and feel emotions I didn’t realize I was repressing. This is my favorite book I’ve ever read so far. I will read it again.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book about a boy who is trying to find the perfect item to remember his recently passed Grandmother. Characters include his energetic younger sister Joanie, Mom and Dad, Pop, and older brother who is away throughout the story. Feels real, not really a tearjerker (more sentimental), and reminded me of some of the emotions and actions I experienced after my first loved one's passing.

[Grace Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in a free library on my walk this weekend, and immediately fell in love. For a kids book, this was such an emotionally intelligent and potent story. Such beautiful depictions of life after loss and family connection. I will absolutely be keeping this book for future reading, or future kids.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henkes is one of my favorite authors of Picture books so I had to pick this up when I saw it. It is the story of Spoon, a 9 year old boy. His Gram has recently died and he is feeling a need to find some kind of memento to keep her in his heart. A nice story told from Spoon's viewpoint.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heart warming story of love and loss, of family ties, sibling angst and forgiveness. It seems appropriate for children 7 to 14 years of age and for adults who've lost touch with the fragility of childhood and the importance of family trust.