Nana in the City

Starred review from June 9, 2014
“I love my nana,” a boy explains, “but I don’t love the city.” She greets him with a hug, but he’s still nervous. “The city is busy,” he says (crowds press in). “The city is loud” (a whistle shrieks). “The city is filled with scary things” (the boy shrinks from a homeless man holding out a cup). “It is no place for a nana to live,” he concludes. While he sleeps, nana knits him a gift—a big red cape. A series of vignettes shows him wearing it the next morning, striking delighted poses. With new courage, the boy discovers a city he hasn’t seen before—one full of life, wonder, and pretzels for homeless men: “It is the absolute perfect place for a nana to live,” he decides. Castillo (The Troublemaker) examines childhood anxiety and the crucial love of grandparents with sensitivity, while her portraits of the city’s challenges are honest and affectionate. It deserves a place on the shelf of classic New York City picture books. Ages 4–8. Agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management.

May 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 3-When a small boy visits his grandmother's new apartment in New York City, he is frightened by all the hustle, bustle, and noise he encounters. Simply put, he concludes, "It is no place for a Nana to live." Nana disagrees and promises to show him how exciting city life can be. While the boy sleeps, Nana knits him a red cape-for bravery-to wear during their adventurous day. The cape works so well that the boy ties it around Nana before he returns home. Christopher Gebauer's narration is wonderful. Castillo treats readers to the story of an apprehensive child who, with the help of a loving adult, learns to conquer his fears and transition from worry to wonderment. The CD includes two tracks, one with page-turn signals and one without. VERDICT A top choice.-Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

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