One, Two, Grandma Loves You

In iterations that each begin “One, two, Grandma loves you,” Becker (Even Superheroes Make Mistakes) and Yaccarino (The Longest Storm) update a common counting-out rhyme to detail a brown-skinned child’s visit to their white grandmother’s home. Having prepped for the much-anticipated event (“Seven, eight, mark the date”), the two are “Nine, ten, together again.” The counting starts over, and activities ensue: “Three, four, best toy store,” finds the pair picking out a ginormous stuffed bear, while bathrobe mani-pedis represent “Seven, eight, stay up late.” In the third and final count, the child piles up furniture, dramatically refusing to leave (“Three, four, blocking the door”), but readers are quickly assured of another visit on the horizon. The versatility of Yaccarino’s vivid signature style is clearly evident here in simple lines, biomorphic shapes, and retro patterning. Grandma’s chic house is a thoroughly imagined home-away-from-home, decked out in a whimsical mid-century modern style, while the duo’s intergenerational affection is portrayed as effortless, effusive, and unconditional. A wonderful celebration of reunions that’s especially meaningful after the pandemic’s long drought. Ages 3–5. [em]Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Aug.) [/em]