When Grandfather Flew

Lovely, soft watercolors and pastels accompany a gentle text that celebrates Grandfather, a birder who shared his passion with children and grandchildren. Ms. MacLachlan's details are striking and luminous, as when the grandfather describes his wife's love of horses and how she slipped love notes to them into woodpececker holes. I loved Milo, the younger brother, who was "not a talker" but an observer and a listener, like me. As a birder, I appreciate the correct identification and behaviors of the birds featured in the story: Eastern Bluebird, Sharp-shinned Hawk, kestrel, Bald Eagle, chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, junco. Aging and death are positively expressed for young readers and listeners. Author and illustrator are perfectly matched. I show more love the black and white bird sketches on the endpapers, too. show less

I loved most of this book. My mother taught me about watching birds, just like the grandfather does in this story. And the illustrations are like paintings in a museum, rich and rough and colorful.

But the ending bothered me. Don't let that keep you from the beauty within.

The is another book wherein the author highlights the importance of grandparents in the lives of children. In the story, Milo, the brother of the storyteller, was not a talker, in fact, he was silent most of the time. He only spoke when something or someone touched his heart.

His Grandfather loved birds, and through his interactions with Milo, he opened a door into Milo's heart and thus Milo felt it important to learn what his Grandfather taught him. On a day with a chickadee flew into the window, Grandfather took the bird inside and gently placed it in a paper bag.

He told Milo that if they listened, they could hear the heartbeat of the chickadee, and when Milo and Grandfather heard the flutter of wings against the paper bag, then they show more might be able to help the little bird fly.

Quietly, Milo watched the bag with rapt attention. When he clapped his hands furiously, and shouted the word "Bird!!!" grandfather knew it was time to let the bird be on his own. Emma, Milo's sister, gently held the bird, and feeling the heartbeat was a special moment. As Emma gently opened her hands, the bird flew, and Emma cried.

The beauty of Patricia macLachlan's stories speaks to the heart. Grandpa's response to Emma was "Amazing, isn't it?"

Sadly, just as Milo could not speak often, grandpa's eyes were failing. but he could still hear and taught Milo the unique sound of each bird. When Milo stood by the window with his sippy cup in hand, he looked at Grandpa and said "Cedar Waxwing!" Now, Grandfather cried.

As Grandfather's health diminished, a nurse came to the house to assist with his care. She described the colors of the bird and Grandpa could identify the bird. One day Leah brought the fur that she brushed from her dog's coat. As she placed it in a small pot on the window sill, the bird carried the pieces into their nests.

Grandpa had a unique ability to communicate, not only with people, but with birds as well. When he couldn't see the birds, he could hear them.

Sadly, one day, Grandfather passed away. "Where is Grandfather?!!" Milo asked. Then, he ran outside telling all to come with him. He excitedly cried "There! Look Up!" And to everyone's surprise a large bald eagle soared near them, so very close they could see the eyes.

Inside his mind and heart, Milo was incredibly astute. "Grandfather Got His Wish!" cried Milo, noting that now grandpa sees the sky, he can see the world and he can see them. Milo noted that Grandfather flies!! After a period of quietness, Milo continued to look high into the sky and listened for the call of the eagle who flew far aay.''

This is a wonderful book of joy, and light! Machlachlan is a terrific author who is very intelligent at knowing the emotions of people.
I simply love all her books!

She is a Newberry Medal winner for the book Sarah, Plain and Tall. That book turned into a series. Every time I read one of her books, I think it is my favorite, then I read another and think again and again that I found the favorite. In short, all her books are incredible.

She is an iwriter, and person!

FIVE STARS show less