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Lizzie is minding the antique store while Grandpa naps on the settee when Mrs. Bradley Larchmont the Third strides in. Lizzie is happy to help the frou-frou fraulein with her purchases of bric-a-brac until Mrs. Larchmont asks about buying Grandpa! Her generous offer gives Lizzie pause. Oh, the things she could buy with such a sum.

The Story Continues

When Mrs. Larchmont offers $500 for Grandpa, first inquiring whether he comes with teeth, Lizzie is in a momentary quandary.

With that much money, she could build the treehouse of her dreams. "But what good would a treehouse be without Grandpa there to help her build it?" As Mrs. Larchmont ups her offers, Lizzie thinks of the other things she could acquire, and imagines how empty they would be without her Grandpa.

Artistic Interpretations

Unique illustrations by T. Kyle Gentry help the story take flight. In the illustrations of the antique shop, only the people and highlighted objects are in color. On alternating pages, which depict Lizzie's fantasies about what she could buy with the money, the fantasy is in full color and Grandpa's part in the scene is shown in shades of gray. My grandchildren had some interesting ideas about why the artist used color the way he did. Be sure to ask your grandchildren! The grands will especially enjoy the fantasy sequences, which are rich in detail and whimsical touches. Don't neglect to check the back cover for one last bit of whimsy.

About the Authors

Dotti Enderle has a number of children's books to her credit.

This is the first book for her co-author, Vicki Sansum. Both writers live in Texas. Perhaps that explains Mrs. Larchmont's sky-high coif and over-the-top style. If you or your grandchildren live in Texas, you also may enjoy Enderle's The Fat Stock Stampede at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair.

The Bottom Line

If your grandchildren have a grandfather who is precious to them, they will be especially open to the charms of Grandpa for Sale, but almost any kid would enjoy the premise. There aren't many children's books with grandparent characters on the market, and few of the ones that are out there feature grandfathers, so this one is extra welcome.

The book is another offering from the folks at Flashlight Press, who have made a mini-specialty of children's books with grandparent appeal. Their offerings include Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie, Grandfather's Wrinkles, Wishes for One More Day and Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick. Grandpa for Sale is a Storytelling World Award winner and has claimed a number of other awards, as well as being included on a number of recommended reading lists. As for my panel of critics--my grandchildren--they loved it.



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.