"One day, as they started out on their walk,
Jill noticed that Nonno was acting differently.
He saw bees buzzing around their nest and
said nothing. When a fox looked out at them
from between the trees, Nonno just stared."
There are some terrific stories about children and their grandparents. This one follows Jill and her grandfather as they share life and words. Jill loves words, and thinks about them a lot. She calls her grandfather Nonno; his real name is Matteo which is another name for Matthew. Nonno also loves words.
When the two go on the walk they take every Saturday afternoon, they stroll the same paths and name the things they see as they go.
""Hummingbird," Jill said.
"Sugar-drinker!" Nonno said.
"Termites," Nonno said.
"Forest-eaters!" Jill said.
"Beaver lodge," Jill said.
"Palace of sticks and mud!"
Nonno said."
When Nonno shows disinterest as they walk one day, Jill is concerned. He is not sure where they are and remains very quiet as they pass their many favorite haunts. He is keen to be back at Sunrise Manor. Jill talks with her mother, and is told her grandfather will not live with them as he likes where he is living. Jill just wants to help. She makes a plan to help her Nonno in any way she can.
What a surprise is in store for their next walk. Throughout the week, Jill has spent time putting colored labels for all of the familiar places and stops along their way. What a difference it makes! Nonno adds to the charm with three tiny notes of his own.
Watercolor illustrations bring the two to life for young readers. They will enjoy knowing them as they interact while spending time together.
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