Grandad's Island: Benji Davies

Product Information

Syd and his Grandad set sail for a very special island in this metaphorical exploration of death and grieving for the picture-book set. My 4 year old has recently started questioning a lot of the normal day to day things and losing a loved one or even knowing that she could at some point die, it was an emotional thing for her understand and she would keep getting upset and asking more and more questions. He has worked on a huge range of subjects and platforms, with clients as diverse as such Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam, and in countries as different as India and Australia. It still surprises me to this day, the number of Picturebooks for children that address the theme of loss and bereavement, without actually addressing it as 'death'. Overall, although this book deals with a difficult topic it's still an excellent resource in any KS1 primary classroom!

A lovely story about the relationship between Syd and his Grandad and their adventure to a fantastical island. Sure to provide comfort to young children struggling to understand loss, this story is a sensitive and beautiful reminder that our loved ones live on in our memories long after they’re gone. Grandad and Syd going on one 'last adventure' is almost like a representation for the Grandad going to heaven, which is a beautiful place and he is happy.The grandad goes there with his grandson and then stays because I believe he knows he is going to die. Whilst appropriate for use with children in KS1, who may not even realise there is a metaphor for death contained within the story, the book could also be used with children in KS2 as a starting point for a PSHE lesson about bereavement.

Benji studied animation at university and has since worked on a diverse array of projects, from picture books and animated short films to music videos, commercials and title sequences. I liked the symbolism when Syd had to travel back on his own, the waves were bumpy but he got there safely in the end. Each page is worthy of time and discussion as they lead us to understand the changing emotions that accompany the final adventure Grandad and Syd have together. This book deals with a very sensitive subject of losing grandparents and it is a situation I have seen many children experience and this book may help them to understand the situation.Num momento tão dramático como aquele em que atravessamos, em que tantas crianças se veem impedidas de despedir daqueles que partem, este livro pode ser uma forma de abordar o assunto com os mais novos. This would be a great story to read to children for them to learn to cope with oncoming death, or if they have experienced loss at some point. The simple, yet thoughtful writing and colourful, detailed illustrations combine to leave the reader both hugely comforted and uplifted. It is written in a lovely, heart-warming way, and I can imagine it could be really valuable for use in the classroom, PSHE, or for a child to read with parents.

However, with how the story portrays Grandad going to heaven, it deals with it in a sensitive way that children can understand and may help them not to be as worried. Someone dying is definitely a difficult subject to tackle but I have to applaud Davies for doing it so subtly and in all honestly, in such a clever way that this story can really help your little one understand a hard subject. Benji Davies is the illustrator of the Bizzy Bear books, Bizzy Bear: Let’s Go and Play and Bizzy Bear: Fun on the Farm. The happiness the two characters experience on the island relates to Syd remembering all the fun times with his Grandad while the rocky trip home explores the difficult emotions he may be experiencing.

The boy then journeys back home, a journey which seems all the more difficult and tiresome without his grandfather present. Recommended (with the caveat that it might not really work for everyone) to those looking for picture-books addressing the loss of a grandparent. In all, Davies has created a honest and touching story that is rich in detail with vibrant illustrations that capture the story perfectly. We work closely with publishers and authors to ensure that we offer the best books on the market for your child.

A heartfelt story which quietly and sensitively explores the the experience of grief through simple storytelling and beautiful artwork.The New York Times Book Review 'The creator of The Storm Whale (2014) offers another thoughtful picture book guaranteed to spark discussion. This story is a metaphor for death and loss with Syd experiencing and coping with the loss of his grandad. A very thought-provoking book which could be used to expand KS2 students thinking regarding the realism of the story and coping with grief.