FREE, written and illustrated by Sam Usher. Templar Books, Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2019. $11.95 ages 3 and up

 

"So we put him
back outside,
and we thought,
that's that.

It was time for breakfast so we weighed the flour,
poured the milk, cracked the eggs, mixed it up ... 
... and flipped the pancakes. 

And I said, "Grandad!"

That Sam Usher! He so ably creates books that have a special relationship at the heart of them. Our family has his collection of seasonal books ... Rain, Sun, Storm, and Snow. Each of those books has a boy and his grandad as the main characters. In FREE, we meet up with them again, and find that they still delight in being together.

As you can see from the front cover of the book, birds are involved. The cover page is filled with sketches, books, and an artist's required supplies. Obviously, birds are of great importance to the child artist. The scene from his bedroom window introduces the premise for this story. He sits on his bed, surrounded by books, binoculars, and his favorite stuffed companions. A number of different birds are hovering around the bird feeder there. One of the birds comes in through the open window, landing woefully on the sill. 

Something has to be done! As he always is, Grandad is right there to help. The bird is placed in a cozy bed, and a book about birds is quickly located. The two work together to provide for the bird's needs. Soon it is ready to be put back outside where it belongs. The bird returns, and is fed berries for breakfast, not pancakes. Placed outside once more, it returns when the two have prepared their lunch. Outside it goes again, only to come back when their afternoon tea is ready. 

The boy wants to keep the bird; Grandad thinks freedom is the right move. Maybe they need to find its  home. They decide to look for an appropriate tree. That should do it! The bird is reunited with its friends. Those birds entertain the rescuers, and fly them safely home. What will tomorrow bring? 

The relationship between grandson and grandfather remains as special as it had been in previous books. Grandad pays constant, close attention to his beloved grandson, listening to what he has to say and honoring his feelings while also helping him understand the bird's need to be FREE. The art is detailed, and filled with their love for each other.