Two Artists, Grandad and Me
by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2026. 28 pages.
Review written February 20, 2026, from a library book.
Starred Review
This is a sweet picture book about a little girl and her artist grandfather, and the joy she found making art with him in his studio, and how he’d gently guide her.
What makes it extra special is that this girl’s grandfather was the wonderful Jerry Pinkney – an amazing creator of children’s books, Caldecott Medalist, and a kind human being. (Yes, I’ve met him and heard him speak a few times. The man radiated goodness.)
This book pictures her as a little girl coming into Grandad’s studio, being greeted with love, given access to his paints and supplies, and shown how to use them.
He gives her her own sketchbook and gets her started filling it, drawing side by side.
“I don’t think I did it right.”
“There is no right way,” he assures me.
“Every artist sees the world differently.”Hmmm . . . artist?
I’ve never been called an artist before.
I like the sound of it.
I have so many stories to tell.
May kids continue to be inspired to make art, continuing to build Jerry Pinkney’s generous legacy.
Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Picture_Books/2_artists.html
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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.
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