Meatballs for Grandpa

by Jeanette Fazzari Jones

Jaclyn Sinquett (Illustrator)

In this sensory-rich picture book, a little girl and her grandparents make the family’s traditional spaghetti and meatballs recipe together—and hope to jog Grandpa’s fading memory.

For Felicia, the days spent making meatballs for Grandpa are some of the best ever! Grandpa no longer remembers much, but he loves to help cook. Grandma and Felicia know just what to do so that they’ll get the perfect sizzle, tang, and magic in their mouths. But Felicia also knows that cooking together makes more than a meal—sometimes it even helps Grandpa remember. Together they get their hands dirty and make the savory meal of spaghetti and meatballs in the family’s Italian tradition. And then, they mangia!

Woven with vibrant sounds, smells, and flavors, this is a heartwarming story about food, family, and heritage. A glossary of Italian words and a recipe for tomato sauce and meatballs is included.

• ISBN10: 166251204X
• ISBN13: 9781662512049
• Publish Date: 12 March 2024
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Amazon Publishing
• Imprint: Two Lions
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 40
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Meatballs for Grandpa is a sensitively written and beautifully illustrated young reader story (~5-8 year olds) by Jeanette Fazzari Jones and Jaclyn Sinquett (illus.). Due out 12th March 2024 from Amazon on their Two Lions imprint, it's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book will be included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

This is such a sweet book. Felicia's grandfather has Alzheimer's and doesn't always remember her. She and her grandma spend time making a special family recipe in the hopes that he'll come back to them even if only for a little while. There are a lot of important takeaways here, spending time with loved ones in the here-and-now, finding enjoyment in small tasks, learning from (and spending time with) our elder generations before it's too late. 

There are Italian words and phrases sprinkled throughout. Although there's a short glossary at the back of the book, the words are clear from context. It's a simple book, but such a cozy read. The author has also included her own family recipe for spaghetti and meatballs. 

The illustrations are warmly inviting, cozy, and suit the simple text very well. 

Four and a half stars. It would be a great choice for public/school/classroom library, for home use, and for gift giving to a young friend (or family member whose loved one is maybe in a similar situation to young Felicia). 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.