"The Fearless Grandpa" by Mary Esparza-Vela, Illustrated by Denis Proulx

The Fearless Grandpa, is another charming picture book by Mary Esparza-Vela, illustrated by Denis Proulx. Grandpa comes for a visit with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. The kids are enthralled by his ghost stories. When asked, “You’re not afraid of ghosts?” he says “No honey, I’m not afraid of anything!” Grandpa is fearless.

Suddenly, Grandpa jumps up, forgetting his cane, arthritis and asthma problems, and rushes around outside. He slaps at his back and acts crazy. Finally, a tiny mouse falls out of his shirt—that’s what was bothering him. The whole family collapses into laughing fits. Their fearless grandpa is afraid of mice!

The sweet and homey illustrations by Denis Proulx show us everything we need to see. Here’s a family enjoying spending time together. Happy grandchildren glad to be with their grandpa, and a contented grandpa happily sharing his stories with them.

This is another dear story from Ms. Esparza Vela about loving families and the interaction between generations. However, it’s more than a humorous anecdote about a grandpa being afraid of mice. The family wants Grandpa to come live with them. He lives alone now that Mami has passed. He’s afraid to be a burden to his kids and leave his wife’s animals behind. We wonder what will happen after this story ends. Can they convince grandpa to live with them and can he let go of the past and join his family?

Many sandwich generation families face this dilemma. They’re raising children and caring for their parents at the same time. If only it was more expected and accepted that our elderly come live with us. They wouldn’t be alone and everyone could appreciate what they can share with us while we give them the care and support they need.

Thank you Mary Esparza-Vela for this endearing story that warms us and makes us appreciate what we have. And maybe think about what could be. Most of Ms. Esparza-Vela’s picture books are translated into Spanish. Visit her online for more information:

www.marysdollsandbooks.com

Here's a list of her other GAP picture books (available on Amazon):

Bearly Learning About Water

The Smiling Burro

El Burro Sonriente
Lucky's Lick
You Can't Take the Dinosaur Home!
¡No Puedes Llevarte El Dinosaurio A Casa!
The Fearless Grandpa
The Odd Chick
The Turtle Who Imagined
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Mary Esparza-Vela, Bearly, Water, Smiling Burro, Lucky Lick, Dinosaur Home, Fearless Grandpa, Odd Chick, Turtle Imagined, children's books, picture books