My Day with Gong Gong, written by Sennah Lee and illustrated by Elaine Chen. Annick Press, 2020. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"He gets up and puts on his
old cap and his puffy vest.
It's time for a walk.

Down the street, vendors
sell jewelry and toys, and
a man plays Chinese violin.

Inside a gift shop, the
cashier waves to us."

National Grandparents Day is celebrated today. There are many joyous family books to read with children; as they listen, they will be encouraged to think about their own grandparents. Giving them a chance to share those stories helps them feel comfortable within the new classroom, and begins to build community as this new school year begins.

May is not thrilled when her mom drops her at Gong Gong's house for the day. She doesn't think they will have much fun. Gong Gong likes watching hockey; May would much rather watch cartoons. The sound of the cartoons awakens her grandfather, and leads to the need for a walk outdoors. That walk leads them through the neighborhood. Gong Gong speaks little English and converses in Cantonese. May does not understand her grandfather's words, or the smiling looks she gets from his many friends. She wonders if they are making fun of her.

As small children do, May becomes frustrated with the situration. Their visits to the gift shop, the dim sum restaurant, the supermarket, and the park result in a tired, hungry and cranky young granddaughter. After he helps her dry her tears, Gong Gong hands May two small bags. He has been listening, after all!

This is a love story between generations. Elaine Chen's emotional, watercolor artwork shows the two wandering and visiting in the urban landscape that is Chinatown. At the end of the day, as they head back home, May has a growing appreciation for the many sights and sounds.

It is a lovely tale. The author uses a first-person narrative to provide a better understanding of all that May is feeling as her grandfather lovingly shares the people and places of his life with her. It is replete with images that help readers see the struggles felt by a young child in new circumstances, while also learning about her heritage. It's a treasure.

Ms. Yee includes a glossary of the cultural words spoken, along with their written characters and English meaning.