SYNOPSIS

A young boy and his grandfather share sweet summer days and deep love for each other. Pop delivers flowers, grandson keeps him company, and then they enjoy bread rolls and naps.

Pop’s passing comes as a shock to the boy who keeps his sadness, confusion and anger to himself.

While he doesn’t feel comforted by the words he hears around himself, a chance encounter with two birds trapped in a subway car, and then separated, send a message of peace and courage to the boy.

Having stomped on his mom’s newly planted flowers in anger, the boy uses his savings to buy new ones and asks mom to plant them himself.

This way, he doesn’t have to ever part with his Pop – he is always around him, in a way.

PERFECT AGE 6 – 10

We love

• The topic of loss of a loved one deserves just this kind of tenderness and care – a life’s passing is also a life continued, and we can be reminded of our loved ones in new experiences and emotions.
• A lovely way of incorporating nature (flower planting, birds playing and separating) into the message of life’s uncertainties, ever-changing forms, challenges and beauty.
• Lots of opportunities to engage your reader with follow-up questions and explore their thoughts and feelings.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What did the waitress at the diner mean when she called the boy and his grandfather “two birds of a feather”?
• What are some feelings the boy may have felt when he learned his Pop was gone? How so?
• Who else in the book might the two birds playing in the subway car and then parting ways remind you of?
• Why do you think the boy said he was glad that he hadn’t gotten to say goodbye to his Pop?