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Monday, January 30, 2017

In Plain Sight, written by Richard Jackson and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2016. $20.50 ages 4 and up

"Here I am, Grandpa," she says.
"How was the morning?"
"Surprising," he says.
"I had me a paper clip, you know?
Nice and shiny.
Now it's vanished.
Help me find it, will you, with your bright eyes?"
"Where?" says Sophie."

Sophie and her grandfather are kindred spirits. Grandpa lives with her family, and they love to spend time together. Every time she comes in from school, she greets him with the same words. Every time she does that, he pretends that he has lost something while she was not with him. And so begins a game that they play looking for a number of 'lost' objects.

Such love in this family. Grandpa, who is confined to a wheelchair and watches the world outside through a window, cannot wait for his granddaughter's return. As the week passes, we are witness to the joy they share. The watercolor paintings are classic, detailed and warm in every way. They help us learn much about Grandpa, his life, his loves, and what interests him still.

Of course, before any page is turned, young readers will want to do a search of their own in the wondrous illustrations created by the incomparable Jerry Pinkney. Each search requires concentration and observation. Some are easier than others. Richard Jackson has carefully chosen his text, and Jerry Pinkney perfectly matches the gentle, loving tone of this intergenerational story. It is a very special and memorable family tale! 
                                                                              

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