Drawn Together

A boy and his grandfather don't speak the same language, but find a way to connect through drawing. Magnificent illustrations.

FIVE STARS. ELEVENTY STARS. This got me choked up. A grandson and grandfather are divided by language - they have no shared one. Visits are tough and awkward for both. Until grandson whips out his markers and starts doodling the superheroes; turns out grandfather is quite the artist himself as well. And art unites them!!! TEARS IN MY EYES.

The art, indeed, is lovely LOVELY in this book. Hats off to Dan Santat for capturing two - nay, three! - distinct styles: the grandson's, grandfather's, and overall narration style. Glorious illustrations to pour yourself into. Good for preschoolers/little kids, not sure about toddlers. Also glorious for anyone who's had language change over the generations - and the fear that grandchildren and grandparents won't be able to communicate.