"Big Papa takes his grandchild back in time to see what bravery looks like in this tender story by Bernstrom (Gator, Gator, Gator!) . Wide angles give the spreads visual power, while soft pastels convey the journey's otherworldly atmosphere and the stories' intimacy." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A unique perspective in a beautifully executed book about starting school. A must-purchase. Bernstrom's latest book digs deep, with a story about a child facing fears by discovering a grandfather's difficult past . In the first-person narrative, written largely in dialogue that features African American Vernacular English, the child poses questions, and the knowing grandparent responds with sage, though not preachy, one-liners. "Sometimes you gotta walk with giants if you ever gonna find out what you made of." Evans's signature style animate(s) the story in a joyous way that uplifts the text.

" -- School Library Journal (starred review) "This imaginative and inventive tale walks a child through African American history by way of his grandfather's past. An excellent choice for reading with grandparents or for a first-day-of-school storytime." -- Booklist "Bernstrom's colloquial text captures the warm relationship between Big Papa and his grandson." -- Horn Book Magazine "Love and reverence for history and family radiate from Bernstorm's words." -- Kirkus Reviews.