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I'll Be the Water: A Story of Loss, Grief, and a Grandparent's Love
“Think of it this way,” Grandpa says. “Today, you and I are like two fish swimming together in this lake. When I die, things will be different. I won’t be a fish anymore, but I’ll become something even better. My love will be like the water in the lake. You might think I’m not with you, but we’ll be closer than ever because you’ll be surrounded by my love.” Long after Grandpa dies, Joshua comes to understand that Grandpa kept his promise—and that love and its memory survive death. When grown-up Joshua goes fishing with his daughter, he teaches her what Grandpa taught him: “She knows we never have to feel alone or afraid because we are surrounded by a love that lasts forever.”
“Each memory is like a special gift I can unwrap again and again,” said Grandpa. “And that’s a gift I want to give you, too.”
“Each memory is like a special gift I can unwrap again and again,” said Grandpa. “And that’s a gift I want to give you, too.”
36 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 9, 2020
This is such a beautifully shared story, a gentle way of sharing with young readers the belief that love lives on even when life is gone. A story of a grandchild asking his grandfather if he’s getting old, and later on, when he has to go to the hospital, worries about his grandfather dying. His grandfather is his fishing buddy, and one day when they’re out on the lake fishing, he tells him that when he does die, that he will still be with him, even if he is no longer physically there, that ”My love will be like the water in the lake. You might think I’m not with you, but we’ll be closer than ever because you’ll be surrounded by my love.” Years later, when he has a child of his own, and takes his own daughter fishing, he passes on this wisdom shared by his grandfather. ”Each memory is like a special gift I can unwrap again and again.”
This story tackles this complex topic to discuss with young readers, and offers a reassuring and loving outlook of love living on from generation to generation.
Pub Date: 16 Sep 2020
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC / Tilbury House Publishers
#IllBetheWater #NetGalley
This story tackles this complex topic to discuss with young readers, and offers a reassuring and loving outlook of love living on from generation to generation.
Pub Date: 16 Sep 2020
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC / Tilbury House Publishers
#IllBetheWater #NetGalley
May 28, 2021
But it turned out that he kept his promise after all. I just had to learn to look for him with my heart instead of my eyes.
It is story of a grandson realizing that his grandfather is getting old and frail. He realizes that his grandfather might not always be there to teach him things and go on adventures. His grandfather teaches him things that will stay with him always. His grandfather shares a story of losing his own father. His grandfather also tells him that even when he won't be here, he will be surrounded by his love.
My love will be like the water in the lake. You might think I’m not with you, but we’ll be closer than ever because you’ll be surrounded by my love.
I'll Be the Water: A Story of Loss, Grief, and a Grandparent's Love hit me harder than I expected. It's a sweet but sad story teaching kids to deal with their grief on losing someone they love. I sobbed and sobbed and I am still sobbing.
5 stars
It is story of a grandson realizing that his grandfather is getting old and frail. He realizes that his grandfather might not always be there to teach him things and go on adventures. His grandfather teaches him things that will stay with him always. His grandfather shares a story of losing his own father. His grandfather also tells him that even when he won't be here, he will be surrounded by his love.
My love will be like the water in the lake. You might think I’m not with you, but we’ll be closer than ever because you’ll be surrounded by my love.
I'll Be the Water: A Story of Loss, Grief, and a Grandparent's Love hit me harder than I expected. It's a sweet but sad story teaching kids to deal with their grief on losing someone they love. I sobbed and sobbed and I am still sobbing.
5 stars
August 28, 2020
I have a tough time with picture books about death because I am a crier by nature (I could cry reciting a well written shopping list) and I've dealt with so many deaths of family and friends that tears are pretty much already bubbling at the surface any given minute. Most picture books about death are also kind of horribly done, so I didn't even request an ARC of this book when I saw it on Net Galley until a Goodreads friend recommended it. I'm glad I did, even though there's no way I'll be able to read it to my children without a box of tissues and waterproof mascara, especially since we are currently losing their wonderful grandmother to Alzheimer's and cancer, making this book both especially timely and especially hard to read.
If you have to read a book about death to children (and really, we all should -- books help with pretty much everything), this is one of the best I've seen. It's beautifully illustrated, sweetly told, not too wordy, and full of love. It does not go into belief systems like heaven or reincarnation, just the idea that the loved one will be a part of everything around the child. I especially appreciated the multi-generational ending of the story, where the boy whose grandfather told him "I'll be the water" (all around you instead of the fish alongside you) becomes the father with his daughter in the boat. You do get a sense that the grandfather is now a part of their life, even for the little girl who never met him, and continues to surround them.
This really is the sort of book every home and library should have, because it gently comforts and prepares children for those goodbyes we can't protect them from. Highly recommended. And I'm crying again....
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
If you have to read a book about death to children (and really, we all should -- books help with pretty much everything), this is one of the best I've seen. It's beautifully illustrated, sweetly told, not too wordy, and full of love. It does not go into belief systems like heaven or reincarnation, just the idea that the loved one will be a part of everything around the child. I especially appreciated the multi-generational ending of the story, where the boy whose grandfather told him "I'll be the water" (all around you instead of the fish alongside you) becomes the father with his daughter in the boat. You do get a sense that the grandfather is now a part of their life, even for the little girl who never met him, and continues to surround them.
This really is the sort of book every home and library should have, because it gently comforts and prepares children for those goodbyes we can't protect them from. Highly recommended. And I'm crying again....
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
January 26, 2022
I'm in my late 50s. My friend, Kathy, just flew home because her family told her "it's time" for her father, and she needs to come say her goodbyes. Another friend of ours, also a Kathy, when she heard the news, said, "I think we are at that stage in our lives". She's right, and it's killing me to think about losing my parents, and my children losing their grandparents, as something expected.
I don't want it to be so. I don't want my parents to be "gettin' better at" getting old, like Joshua's grandfather in I'll Be the Water: A Story of Loss, Grief, and a Grandparent's Love. I've known for as long as I can remember that I'm likely to outlive them, but it still hurts to see my dad walk so much slower, and my mom forgetting basic stuff.
This book helps, without all the religious speculation that only frustrates many people. I am sending a copy to my friend Kathy who's saying goodbye to her father tonight, and also to my other friend Kathy, who already lost both her parents. Maybe it will bring them some comfort. Me, I'm sitting here bawling like a baby, but that's okay.
I don't want it to be so. I don't want my parents to be "gettin' better at" getting old, like Joshua's grandfather in I'll Be the Water: A Story of Loss, Grief, and a Grandparent's Love. I've known for as long as I can remember that I'm likely to outlive them, but it still hurts to see my dad walk so much slower, and my mom forgetting basic stuff.
This book helps, without all the religious speculation that only frustrates many people. I am sending a copy to my friend Kathy who's saying goodbye to her father tonight, and also to my other friend Kathy, who already lost both her parents. Maybe it will bring them some comfort. Me, I'm sitting here bawling like a baby, but that's okay.
October 15, 2021
One boy has a strong relationship with his grandpa. They do everything together. When Grandpa gets sick, the boy worries that he'll lose Grandpa forever, but Grandpa informs him in a way that the boy can understand, that like their fishing trips, he will always be there.
The story's legacy and moral carries on and like a ripple in the water, the story will go on forever, like the water.
Told with beautiful and subdued illustrations by Nicole Wong and heartfelt words by Alec Aspinwall, this book is perfect for our times and a great resource for sharing about coping with loss and dealing with grieving.
Thank you to Ryan for the recommendation. It really does deserve its praise and publication.
The story's legacy and moral carries on and like a ripple in the water, the story will go on forever, like the water.
Told with beautiful and subdued illustrations by Nicole Wong and heartfelt words by Alec Aspinwall, this book is perfect for our times and a great resource for sharing about coping with loss and dealing with grieving.
Thank you to Ryan for the recommendation. It really does deserve its praise and publication.
March 5, 2022
Read this with my late husband‘s grandchildren in mind. I liked it, but I am not going to send it to them.
August 9, 2020
A wonderful picture book that explains death better than I have seen in a long time.
A boy and his grandfather are fishing, and the boy worries about losing his grandfather to death. His grandfather explains it is like the fish and the water. When he is alive, he is a fish swimming beside him, but when he is gone, he is the water that he is swimming in.
He said his love would remain with him, long after he died.
So touching, and so sad, but so true.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
A boy and his grandfather are fishing, and the boy worries about losing his grandfather to death. His grandfather explains it is like the fish and the water. When he is alive, he is a fish swimming beside him, but when he is gone, he is the water that he is swimming in.
He said his love would remain with him, long after he died.
So touching, and so sad, but so true.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
One of the best things we can give the young humans in our lives are tools for their life toolbelts, and this book surely does that. We are rarely equipped sufficiently for the biggest tragedies in our lives: That our truest loves, biggest fans, surest supporters will die, as reliably as the sun will rise every 24 hours. Our beloved grown-ups dance around the truths, but our own youthfulness often is viewed as too fragile to broach hard topics.
This grandpa takes the bull by the horns and gives his grandchild a tool to use when this child finds himself on the other side of his dear grandpa's death - how to process it, recognize it, acknowledge it, and how to remember their love, the fun, the time spent together and that they both will be ok. They both will be continuing on in their respective ways, keeping as much of a connection as they are able.
My group loved this book, loved the use of the symbol of water, the in and outedness of it standing in proxy for our presence in the wide world. A comforting read, presenting comforting promises.
One of the best things we can give the young humans in our lives are tools for their life toolbelts, and this book surely does that. We are rarely equipped sufficiently for the biggest tragedies in our lives: That our truest loves, biggest fans, surest supporters will die, as reliably as the sun will rise every 24 hours. Our beloved grown-ups dance around the truths, but our own youthfulness often is viewed as too fragile to broach hard topics.
This grandpa takes the bull by the horns and gives his grandchild a tool to use when this child finds himself on the other side of his dear grandpa's death - how to process it, recognize it, acknowledge it, and how to remember their love, the fun, the time spent together and that they both will be ok. They both will be continuing on in their respective ways, keeping as much of a connection as they are able.
My group loved this book, loved the use of the symbol of water, the in and outedness of it standing in proxy for our presence in the wide world. A comforting read, presenting comforting promises.
December 2, 2020
I don’t normally write a review for a picture book, but “I’ll Be the Water” by Alec Aspinwall is not your usual children’s picture book. It’s a tender story of love, aging, death and lessons learned from a grandfather. Beautifully illustrated by Nicole Wong, Aspinwall has created a touching and uplifting tale of the unique bond shared between a grandfather and his grandson. When his grandson worries his grandfather is getting old and not as healthy as he once was, he helps his grandson understand that although he won’t always be there, their special bond will carry on. “I’ll Be the Water” is a comforting story about loss and love and one that will be a wonderful addition to any family's library. I hope Alec Aspinwall and Nicole Wong team up again.
March 3, 2022
A boy who loves spending time with his grandfather fishing and eating ice cream realizes that he's getting older and that they might not have a lot of time left. And the grandfather comforts the boy with the phrase that right now they're two fish in the pond but when the grandpa dies, he'll be like the water around the boy who is still the fish.
It's a sweetly sentimental way to help understand with both humor and grace, aging. The grandpa sounds like my grandpa, always making a joke. But it's that you can recognize the importance of the time spent with someone, still feel sad when they're not there, but that you'll be okay too. He ends up passing the pastimes on to his own daughter which is a little full circle as the grandpa explains early on that he lost his dad very early in his life.
The depictions of the serenity of nature is what I liked best.
It's a sweetly sentimental way to help understand with both humor and grace, aging. The grandpa sounds like my grandpa, always making a joke. But it's that you can recognize the importance of the time spent with someone, still feel sad when they're not there, but that you'll be okay too. He ends up passing the pastimes on to his own daughter which is a little full circle as the grandpa explains early on that he lost his dad very early in his life.
The depictions of the serenity of nature is what I liked best.
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July 22, 2020The grandchild laments that he wishes his grandfather "weren't so good at getting old", and the grandfather responds he was always an overachiever. Here the sweet understanding of a grandchild learning about grief and loss, but realizing that the departed live on, around us, as "the water", is the star of the story. Filled with heart, this is a wonderful book for grief or loss, or even just to remind kids "whose they are" and as they go out in the world, the ones they love and that love them, are always with them.
July 6, 2021
I like the premise of this--a beloved grandparent reassuring his grandchild of his love, knowing he will pass away soon. However, the comfort and reassurance cross over into putting the Grandpa into Christ's role of never leaving us, never forsaking us, and the Holy Spirit's always being there to help and comfort us. It always makes me sad when people give and receive substitutions when God is the only one who can fulfill that promise of ever-presence, and when they teach kids to leave Him out of the equation, while stepping into a role they cannot truthfully fulfill. It's empty comfort.
June 25, 2021
"We are surrounded by a love that lasts forever."
Tentang hubungan kakek dan cucu.
Tentang persahabatan dan petualangan.
Tentang keengganan untuk berpisah.
Tentang seseorang yang merelakan.
Jatuh cinta dengan ilustrasinya ❤
5/🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
Tentang hubungan kakek dan cucu.
Tentang persahabatan dan petualangan.
Tentang keengganan untuk berpisah.
Tentang seseorang yang merelakan.
Jatuh cinta dengan ilustrasinya ❤
5/🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
October 24, 2021
INI BAGUS BGTTT ISINYA! REAALLYYYY REALLY AAAAAAAAA I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
October 24, 2021
Oof. But a gentle framing of how the love of our favorite mentors and loved ones can stay with us even as everything always changes.
July 8, 2021
What a beautiful story. The author does such a smooth and understanding way of talking about losing a close loved one. I smiled, cried, and smiled again.
May 17, 2021
Such a cute story about time spent with a grandpa. How their life impacts your life. Very cute!
June 30, 2020
" I've been getting old since I was a baby. I'm just gettin' better at it, that's all"
This book truly is a beautiful story of loss, grief and a grandparents love. It can be felt and appreciated by youth and adults alike. For me personally it evoked many emotions.
"Each memory of her is like a special gift I can unwrap again and again."
It talks about death as if it is the end to everything. Our loved ones continue to be present and felt by us in our thoughts and hearts. This is a great book for bridging the conversations about loss, death, and grief. It reminds that love is eternal and thats a very important message.
I love this book for what it provides and I think it is a must have when preparing to open a dialogue about death with a child. Its simple, endearing and relatable. I wish that young readers didnt experience loss, but that is a naive hope and because of that I am happy that books like this exist.
I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book truly is a beautiful story of loss, grief and a grandparents love. It can be felt and appreciated by youth and adults alike. For me personally it evoked many emotions.
"Each memory of her is like a special gift I can unwrap again and again."
It talks about death as if it is the end to everything. Our loved ones continue to be present and felt by us in our thoughts and hearts. This is a great book for bridging the conversations about loss, death, and grief. It reminds that love is eternal and thats a very important message.
I love this book for what it provides and I think it is a must have when preparing to open a dialogue about death with a child. Its simple, endearing and relatable. I wish that young readers didnt experience loss, but that is a naive hope and because of that I am happy that books like this exist.
I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2023
I'll Be the Water is a picture book about a young boy's concern with his grandfather's old age. They always had fun spending time together, only he notices how his grandfather is having a hard time to continue doing the things they love. After a brief visit to the hospital, the Grandfather calms his grandson's worries, telling him that he will always be there for him, in his heart, in every way even when he's gone. The strong love between them, the boy remembers his grandfather's words as he grows into adulthood and shares his teachings with his own child.
This was a very touching story done in a sensitive way for readers to learn about grief. In which, I think many would find relatable and poignant in its storytelling and characters. Despite it shortness, I find it near perfect with its presentation on the subjects of death and grief for its audience.
This was a very touching story done in a sensitive way for readers to learn about grief. In which, I think many would find relatable and poignant in its storytelling and characters. Despite it shortness, I find it near perfect with its presentation on the subjects of death and grief for its audience.
June 19, 2020
I'll Be the Water by Alec Aspinwall is a beautiful story that will resonate with both adults and children, and will serve as a wonderful bridge to opening dialogue about loss and grief. With gorgeous illustrations by Nicole Wong, the story of a young boy's deep connection with a beloved grandfather unfolds in such a way that the love they have for each other is virtually tangible. The question of how to explain such a tremendous loss to a child, who views a grandparent as a best friend, is handled in such a loving and thoughtful way that it will surely provide a measure of comfort in gradually accepting and understanding the circle of life. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC for the opportunity to read this ARC.
August 18, 2020
This book truly is a sweet childrens story of loss, grief and a grandparents love. Its books like this that im glad exists.
For a child who loses a loved one this book its simple and easily relatable and bridging the conversations about loss, death, and grief.
"Think of it this way. Today, you and I are like two fish swimming together in this lake. When I die, things will be different. I won’t be a fish anymore, but I’ll become something even better. I’ll be the water.»
For a child who loses a loved one this book its simple and easily relatable and bridging the conversations about loss, death, and grief.
"Think of it this way. Today, you and I are like two fish swimming together in this lake. When I die, things will be different. I won’t be a fish anymore, but I’ll become something even better. I’ll be the water.»
June 22, 2020
This is without a single doubt the most amazing children book I’ve read about death. It was crazy good and very emotional it even get a tear to drop out of my eye, which I think it’s a first time a children book does it.
Loosing a love one as a kid is rough and sometimes a bit hard to understand and deal with. Having lost so many close one at a very young age (the worst being my godfather and godmother at the age of four) I totally get the struggle and it a subject that is important for me. How to talk about it?
Well this book does it perfectly. No stupid comforting thought, not trying to escape talking about it, not over dramatic either. Just talking about the hard fact that dying is a part of life, that we have no other choice to accept it and that we don’t really know what is on the other side, if there is even an other side. For sure, this one is about a grandpa dying so it’s, in my opinion, easier to talk about than a accident, or cancer in a young age or something «less natural» in the order of things we like to put in place.
Of course, it’s sad, but there is hope, there is light and it accomplish something truly great talking about this topic the way it does.
Here it the quotes that got my tear out, a metaphor that was new, I never hear it before, and I just find it to be beautiful and somewhat accurate. Not in a religious way, but more in the way that after we die, wherever we go, we stay «around» the people we love if they keep us in the heart or in their thoughts.
«Think of it this way. Today, you and I are like two fish swimming together in this lake. When I die, things will be different. I won’t be a fish anymore, but I’ll become something even better. I’ll be the water.»
Young or old, read this book!
Loosing a love one as a kid is rough and sometimes a bit hard to understand and deal with. Having lost so many close one at a very young age (the worst being my godfather and godmother at the age of four) I totally get the struggle and it a subject that is important for me. How to talk about it?
Well this book does it perfectly. No stupid comforting thought, not trying to escape talking about it, not over dramatic either. Just talking about the hard fact that dying is a part of life, that we have no other choice to accept it and that we don’t really know what is on the other side, if there is even an other side. For sure, this one is about a grandpa dying so it’s, in my opinion, easier to talk about than a accident, or cancer in a young age or something «less natural» in the order of things we like to put in place.
Of course, it’s sad, but there is hope, there is light and it accomplish something truly great talking about this topic the way it does.
Here it the quotes that got my tear out, a metaphor that was new, I never hear it before, and I just find it to be beautiful and somewhat accurate. Not in a religious way, but more in the way that after we die, wherever we go, we stay «around» the people we love if they keep us in the heart or in their thoughts.
«Think of it this way. Today, you and I are like two fish swimming together in this lake. When I die, things will be different. I won’t be a fish anymore, but I’ll become something even better. I’ll be the water.»
Young or old, read this book!
December 23, 2020
Many youngsters will find comfort in this picture book about grief and loss. Joshua, the narrator adores his grandfather and cherishes the time they spend together engaged in interesting activities, many of them outdoors. Although the boy has never considered his grandfather as being old, on one particular day, he notices signs of aging in his shaky hands and slowness in getting up. When the elderly man goes to the hospital for tests, Joshua doesn't find his father's reassurance that things will be fine to be very reassuring since he's heard those words before, and they turned out not to be true. Joshua shares his concerns with his grandfather when he leaves the hospital and they are fishing again. His grandfather explains that he will always be with Joshua in some form, that he'll be like the water that surrounds the fish in the lake. Even though Joshua is devastated when his grandfather eventually dies, he also knows that the man lives on in his teachings and their memories and that "we never have to feel alone or afraid, because we are surrounded by a love that lasts forever" (unpaged), something that Joshua passes on to his own daughter later on. While this positive message is important in helping those who are grieving deal with their loss(es), it can be hard to take comfort in this knowledge when all that is wanted is another moment spent with that loved one. Still, the text and images effectively capture the growing awareness that someone loved is growing old and weak and might not have much more time left on Earth.
September 18, 2020
Helping with Loss and Grief
This is a sweet book about a grandfather's love and preparing his grandson for his death. In the early parts of the book, we learn how much the grandson loves his grandfather and all that they do together. The little boy notices that his grandfather does not seem to be as well as he used to, and Grandpa does go into the hospital. When he gets out, he and the grandson have a heart-to-heart on a fishing trip. Grandpa shares that he isn't afraid of dying. His grandson won't be able to see him with his eyes after he passes but will be able to see him with his heart. Grandpa states that the lake they fish in is like his love for him. When the grandfather does die, the grandson is very sad but remembers what his grandfather told him. Final pages show the grandson as a grown man taking his daughter out to fish, teaching her the lessons his grandfather taught him. This book would be perfect if your child is soon to face the loss of a grandparent or has recently done so. It provides a fresh perspective on death and our connections to loved ones who have gone before us. It does so gently and with a loving spirit that I think a child could connect with and understand at a deep level—even if they could not verbalize its impact. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is a sweet book about a grandfather's love and preparing his grandson for his death. In the early parts of the book, we learn how much the grandson loves his grandfather and all that they do together. The little boy notices that his grandfather does not seem to be as well as he used to, and Grandpa does go into the hospital. When he gets out, he and the grandson have a heart-to-heart on a fishing trip. Grandpa shares that he isn't afraid of dying. His grandson won't be able to see him with his eyes after he passes but will be able to see him with his heart. Grandpa states that the lake they fish in is like his love for him. When the grandfather does die, the grandson is very sad but remembers what his grandfather told him. Final pages show the grandson as a grown man taking his daughter out to fish, teaching her the lessons his grandfather taught him. This book would be perfect if your child is soon to face the loss of a grandparent or has recently done so. It provides a fresh perspective on death and our connections to loved ones who have gone before us. It does so gently and with a loving spirit that I think a child could connect with and understand at a deep level—even if they could not verbalize its impact. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
May 22, 2021
This gentle book takes a very different approach in revealing the grandparent-grandchild relationship. In fact, it does something that is often discouraged in writing picture books: Ihe narrator's voice is that of a grown "child" looking back and remembering.
In this case, the simple statements and subtle illustrations reveal humor, love, and details that will connect with readers at both ends of the ages portrayed. Both Grandpa and the boy are aging slightly from page to page as they share peanut butter and banana sandwiches, create imaginary adventures, and go fishing.
Over the years, the boy notices that Grandpa's skin had grown too big for his face, and his hands shook when putting a worm on the hook. His answer to the boy's question is as simple and fun as their lives together:
"I've been getting old since I was a baby.
I'm just getting better at it."
After Grandpa's long scary stay in the hospital, they resume their times together. But Joshua's mind is a rushing current of questions. Their discussion about dying includes sensitive recollections, reassurances, and even some humor. I won't quote or even paraphrase Grandpa's wise and gentle insights about surviving the loss of his own father are young age, because the combination of text and illustration are stronger together. There is nothing original in the spirit and truth of Grandpa's conversation and assurances, but it is well-told and unfolds on the page in ways that are unique and memorable.
In this case, the simple statements and subtle illustrations reveal humor, love, and details that will connect with readers at both ends of the ages portrayed. Both Grandpa and the boy are aging slightly from page to page as they share peanut butter and banana sandwiches, create imaginary adventures, and go fishing.
Over the years, the boy notices that Grandpa's skin had grown too big for his face, and his hands shook when putting a worm on the hook. His answer to the boy's question is as simple and fun as their lives together:
"I've been getting old since I was a baby.
I'm just getting better at it."
After Grandpa's long scary stay in the hospital, they resume their times together. But Joshua's mind is a rushing current of questions. Their discussion about dying includes sensitive recollections, reassurances, and even some humor. I won't quote or even paraphrase Grandpa's wise and gentle insights about surviving the loss of his own father are young age, because the combination of text and illustration are stronger together. There is nothing original in the spirit and truth of Grandpa's conversation and assurances, but it is well-told and unfolds on the page in ways that are unique and memorable.
June 26, 2020
I'll Be the Water: A Story of Loss, Grief, and a Grandparent's Love
Alec Aspinwall´s I´ll Be the Water offers a beautiful explanation of death to a child from the perspective of his grandfather. The book's illustrations -- mostly scenes capturing the time the two characters spend together in nature -- consist of calming blues and greens that compliment the message. For the boy, this is a coming-of-age experience as he realizes the fleeting nature of life. One day, he realizes that his grandfather is aging, and he grapples with the idea of death and the finality it brings. The grandfather´s comforting instruction to his grandson hinges on the great paradox we all encounter at some point: Though our loved ones leave us upon death, they are never completely gone. Aspinwall presents an optimistic view of loss that is sure to create nostalgia for older readers. Parents of children who have not yet experienced the loss of a close family member may value the perspective of this grandfather who has learned some lessons of his own. Aspinwall has spoken from the heart in this endearing book.
Alec Aspinwall´s I´ll Be the Water offers a beautiful explanation of death to a child from the perspective of his grandfather. The book's illustrations -- mostly scenes capturing the time the two characters spend together in nature -- consist of calming blues and greens that compliment the message. For the boy, this is a coming-of-age experience as he realizes the fleeting nature of life. One day, he realizes that his grandfather is aging, and he grapples with the idea of death and the finality it brings. The grandfather´s comforting instruction to his grandson hinges on the great paradox we all encounter at some point: Though our loved ones leave us upon death, they are never completely gone. Aspinwall presents an optimistic view of loss that is sure to create nostalgia for older readers. Parents of children who have not yet experienced the loss of a close family member may value the perspective of this grandfather who has learned some lessons of his own. Aspinwall has spoken from the heart in this endearing book.
July 12, 2022
Reading a few children's books as part of a challenge.
This was a lovely book - the illustrations were great and the message uplifting. Joshua and his grandfather have done many things together over the years and have been close to each other. Eating the same kind of sandwiches, fishing, just generally hanging out. When Joshua notices that his grandfather is growing old, it concerns him - but as Grandpa says, he's been doing it all his life and he's just better at it now. When Grandpa goes into the hospital for tests, it worries Joshua. Grandpa gets out and they return to fishing. He reassures Joshua that dying is a part of living but that memories of our loved ones are special gifts that can be unwrapped and enjoyed over and over again. Grandpa says he won't be a fish anymore, he'll be the water in the lake - surrounding Joshua with his love. A love that lasts forever.
Sniff. This was a little reminiscent of Love You Forever - a book that always choked me up when I read it to my girls years ago. Beautiful and tender.
This was a lovely book - the illustrations were great and the message uplifting. Joshua and his grandfather have done many things together over the years and have been close to each other. Eating the same kind of sandwiches, fishing, just generally hanging out. When Joshua notices that his grandfather is growing old, it concerns him - but as Grandpa says, he's been doing it all his life and he's just better at it now. When Grandpa goes into the hospital for tests, it worries Joshua. Grandpa gets out and they return to fishing. He reassures Joshua that dying is a part of living but that memories of our loved ones are special gifts that can be unwrapped and enjoyed over and over again. Grandpa says he won't be a fish anymore, he'll be the water in the lake - surrounding Joshua with his love. A love that lasts forever.
Sniff. This was a little reminiscent of Love You Forever - a book that always choked me up when I read it to my girls years ago. Beautiful and tender.
July 13, 2020
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I put hours of work finding the best kid's books to review for you each day. If you enjoy visiting Storywraps and would like to donate something for my time and effort I would greatly appreciate it.
Go to the top of my blog at the right hand corner (below my photo) and please donate what you feel lead to give. The amount you donate and the frequency you donate is totally up to you.
I also have added a new button... ko-fi.com/storywraps Simply buy me a cup of coffee if you would rather. That would be fun. Coffee and blogging go together like two peas in a pod as I'm always brewing up something here on Storywraps.
I thank you in advance for your support. I adore what I do and would appreciate any amount that you may give so that I can make our Storywraps' community more thriving and exciting. Thanks a million! Books bind us together.
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November 17, 2020
I live in a very conservative town. I did not get this at my local library but instead from a larger library who is willing to purchase items outside of the religious norms by the the straight white fams that have been here forever. Every block has a church. Our library is full of christian/religious "fiction" picture books. The secular family has to be very careful. All of a sudden you're just reading along and WHAM here's a sentence about god given as gospel (no pun intended, wait, yes it is intended lol) and you're left holding the book and trying to figure out how to have this conversation with your tee tiny kiddo.
When my dad died last year I wondered how or if I'd ever find a book about losing someone that wasn't all like "we'll see you again in heaven!"
This one is it. I got very nervous when I realized where the book was going (stupid me did not pre-read it before bringing it home). So when it eventually ended and had not talked about crowns, thrones, souls, or heaven I breathed a sigh of relief.
If you're a secular family I'd definitely pre-read it and see if it meets your requirements for books about death. It did ours, and I'm glad I took it home.
When my dad died last year I wondered how or if I'd ever find a book about losing someone that wasn't all like "we'll see you again in heaven!"
This one is it. I got very nervous when I realized where the book was going (stupid me did not pre-read it before bringing it home). So when it eventually ended and had not talked about crowns, thrones, souls, or heaven I breathed a sigh of relief.
If you're a secular family I'd definitely pre-read it and see if it meets your requirements for books about death. It did ours, and I'm glad I took it home.
September 12, 2020
Picture books about loss and death are rarely very good, but this one is excellent. The author does not include any treacly sentimentality, but focuses on the lasting bond that a boy and his grandfather experience. This book shows the progression of aging, disease, and death in a simple way that a child can handle, and sends the message that the people you love will always be in your memory and your heart, even when they are not physically present with you.
I especially appreciate the last page, which shows the boy as an adult, fishing with his own daughter in the same way that his grandfather used to fish with him. It's a meaningful nod to the progression of the generations, and to how we shape others based on our backgrounds and experiences with the people we have loved. The author does not convey any particular worldview beliefs about death or the afterlife, but simply shares a reassuring message about how we can remember and hold onto our good memories.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I especially appreciate the last page, which shows the boy as an adult, fishing with his own daughter in the same way that his grandfather used to fish with him. It's a meaningful nod to the progression of the generations, and to how we shape others based on our backgrounds and experiences with the people we have loved. The author does not convey any particular worldview beliefs about death or the afterlife, but simply shares a reassuring message about how we can remember and hold onto our good memories.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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