The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Menchin, Scott

Grandma in Blue with Red Hat

32 pp. | Abrams | April, 2015 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4197-1484-9 $16.95

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Harry Bliss. Young museum visitors suggest reasons why the institution might acquire an object. Realizing the criteria ("It's beautiful," "It's different," etc.) apply to his grandmother, our hero decides to donate her. When his donation is declined, he depicts Grandma in various styles and media (with influences from Van Gogh to modern comics) and stages a one-man art show. Open-hearted watercolors match the uncomplicated text.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2015