Pat Benatar

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebook Jabberwocky, for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed below are my own.

Grandmas and grandpas rock, indeed. I'm looking forward to the official release so I can buy it for my own library, and I definitely know some folks who would enjoy reading this with their grandkids. The clever double play on the word "rock" throughout the book, and the infectious joy that each grandchild shows in show more spending time with their beloved grandparents are evident on each page. The illustration are bright and spot-on (any Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo fan will tell you) and the diversity in terms of ethnicity, ability and grandparent pairings will make any child feel welcome.

One of the big appeals of this book is the way that is shows how ALL grandparents are cool, regardless of their interests, abilities and personality types; what makes them rock is the love that they have for the little people in their lives, and the way that they make time for them doing activities that they all enjoy. As a reader, I enjoyed the message for children to appreciate their grandparents for their uniqueness, and that all of their relationships and experiences are important and special. Even when making contrasts, such as between the rocker grandma and grandpa versus the more reserved and quiet ones, each of them are celebrated and neither one is viewed as being more cool or fun than the other.

The portrayal of active grandparents who are enjoying their lives and participating in activities is also a joy to read, as well as something true to life. It's important to see older and elderly adults having a large scope of interests and continuing to move about and spend time with others, versus settling into the stereotypes of automatic dotage that are still prevalent in many children's books. The grandmas and grandpas here are shown in a variety of careers across different fields. At the same time, the book reinforces that even if their grandparents don't work, that's also fine. All in all this book is done wonderfully. show less

This originally appeared in Grandpappy's Corner at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S MY GRANDMA AND GRANDPA ROCK! ABOUT?
This is a very sweet tribute to grandparents—not just your traditional older adult being kind and making cookies, or whatever. But grandparents who have a passion, who share it with their grandchildren—whether it's being a musician—professional or otherwise—or any other number of professions. (although the book does understandably lean toward musicians)

The one show more thing this book stresses most of all is the thing that unites every grandparent—their love and affection for their grandchildren—which is what really rocks.*

* Yeah, that's a cheesy and corny line. But a book this pleasantly sappy brings it out in a guy.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ART FOR A MINUTE
I don't know if I can defend this, but when I saw this cover on NetGalley's page, the grandparents in the middle of the image made me think of Love Händel (or at least Bobbi Fabulous), and that was more than enough for me.

I don't really see that now—unless I squint—but that doesn't matter. What I do see is just cute. You can see some samples at Everett's website. The characters of all ages/races/professions are warm and inviting. There's a good energy captured in the pages, and everyone seems happy and loving. A great way to depict the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren.

And, I tell you what, my 7-month-old grandcritter was captivated by the illustrations. He didn't seem to care about the text (shockingly) or even what I sounded like—but those pictures?

HOW IS IT TO READ ALOUD?
I didn't really get into a rhythm when I read it to myself or the grandcritter. But I think that maybe if I read it a few more times, I'd stumble into it—I can't imagine these writers didn't write with one in mind. I just didn't find it.

What I did find was a very pleasant read, it worked really well to read aloud.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT MY GRANDMA AND GRANDPA ROCK!?
You may not believe me, but I honestly didn't realize who wrote this when I requested the title. I liked the title and the cover. I did feel a little silly when I saw "Pat Benetar" on the title page—"hey, that's just like that...d'oh!" This isn't a case of me chasing a celebrity author.

Really, I'm just a sucker for books about Grandparents lately (for some, strange, unknown reason), so the title and cover got me.

It's cute, it's sweet, it's heartwarming, it's fun, it speaks for every Grandpappy, Grandmammy, grand-père, avó, vavnI', Kristasof, or whatever you call a Life-Giver Unit, Previous Iteration in your house.

Parents should pick this up to give to kids so they can read it and melt the heart of grandparents. Fellow grandparents should pick this up to give to their favorite people to help them learn what the most important job of a grandparent is.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky via NetGalley—thanks to both for this. Sorry that it's up late. show less

Well, of course they do if they’re Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo! Partners in performing, composing and marriage, the two have written a heart-warming picture book featuring a multi-cultural assortment of rock-and-roll grandparents for whom “[m]usic is something that they both adore. (Besides us, of course, who they love even more!)” But fear not! The rock legends also send a shout-out to all grandparents everywhere.

This picture book, lovingly illustrated by Tiffany Everett, should not show more be limited to nostalgic Boomers gifting their grandkids. It’s a wonderful message of love between generations that’s highly recommended.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Sourcebooks Kids and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky in exchange for an honest review. show less

Always had been a huge fan but after reading her talk about her challenges in the recording industry and how hard she had to fight for her vision, I have nothing but the utmost respect for her. Honest without being gossipy, she keeps the focus on her experiences without intention of getting back at those who wronged her. It's a book I want to read again.

EDIT: And I have read it again. It's inspired me so much, especially when she talks about why she sings. I'm now working my way through her show more back catalog. show less