Two Artists, Grandad and Me - by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow Hardcover

Book Synopsis

A young girl spends a magical day in her grandad's painting studio, discovering the joy of art, music, and the special bond they share. By the granddaughter of legendary Caldecott Medal-winning children's book illustrator Jerry Pinkney.

Step into the warm, jazz-filled world of a young girl and her artist grandad, as she learns about her grandad's paintings and discovers the joy of creating her own art.

In this inspiring story, a very young painter learns there is no right way to be an artist, and that every brushstroke and every sketch is a unique expression of her imagination. With Grandad's gentle guidance, she draws, dreams, and lets her creativity flow, filling the studio with memories and masterpieces. As the day fades, the young artist realizes that time spent with Grandad is a treasure to carry in her heart forever.

Based on her memories of time with her grandfather--beloved children's book creator Jerry Pinkney--Charnelle Pinkney Barlow's beautifully illustrated picture book will inspire young readers to embrace their creative spirit and cherish the moments shared with loved ones. An afterword by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow details the special relationship she and her grandad shared and the creative inspiration she derived from his love and guidance.

Review Quotes

★ FOUR STARRED REVIEWS ★

★ "Pinkney Barlow pays homage to her late grandfather, illustrator Jerry Pinkney in a heartwarming reflection about artmaking's improvisational process . . . It's a portrait of 'two artists' at work that takes young creators seriously." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

★ "This radiant, deeply personal picture book honors creativity, legacy, and love and shows how one generation's generosity can not only inform but inspire imagination in another." --Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

★ "The soothing narrative evokes the beloved bond between grandfather and granddaughter, while descriptive language has a vividness that fully captures the girl's discovery of her inner artist." --The Bulletin, STARRED REVIEW

★ "Readers can almost feel the love and affection radiating off the pages as the girl in the story draws, paints, and creates with her grandfather . . . This is an excellent book for any budding artist but also to convey how mentors and teachers help on the journey of learning and creating." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"An endearing tribute to a picture-book legend." --Kirkus Reviews

"A tender homage to intergenerational connection and a lively celebration of creative expression." --The Horn Book

About the Author

CHARNELLE PINKNEY BARLOW received her BFA in illustration from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, and her MFA in the Illustration as Visual Essay program from the School of Visual Arts, New York. Charnelle is the author and illustrator of Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar, and the illustrator of Everything in Its Place, The Real Santa, and Born Ready. Charnelle lives in Indianapolis with her husband. When she's not drawing, she is baking, sewing, or reading with a cup of tea by her side.