Maud and Grand-Maud

The 24 hours that Maud spends with her namesake grandparent are packed with activity and indulgences: matching handmade nightgowns, breakfast for dinner, and “any kind of movie as long as it is in black and white.” In a wooden chest that sits in the bedroom she shares with Grand-Maud, surprises await—something store-bought, or, even better, something Grand-Maud has made by hand or cherished. The visits inspire Maud to journey to the past and future, as she imagines her grandmother’s early life (through a photo of a very young Grand-Maud on an elephant) and Maud’s own adult life, which includes seven children (and a seven-layer bunk bed) as well as hosting the family’s next Maud. Pak’s mixed media art strikes a lovely balance between cozy and elegant; softly textured and sepia-toned, illustrations are punctuated with red elements that connect one generation to the other. O’Leary’s measured narration reflects a relationship and a rapport that is not only unconditionally loving, but also beautifully, profoundly respectful on both sides. Ages 3–7. [em](Aug.) [/em]