Grandpa’s Lonely, Isn’t He?
by Joseph Howard Cooper

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During the height of the COVID contagion, a youngster is worried about his Grandpa, who lives alone. Out of concern, they stay apart. In toned black-and-white illustrations, we see their realities, in their respective homes. In color illustrations, we see how they engaged prior to COVID, and how they imagine being together again. At core, the story is about missing those we care about – about being missed, about being cared about.

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Readers will find the artistry of the following pages rather amazing. Particularly touching is the emotional gestalt of the drawings, which capture a distinct humanity of the characters and are simply, fun.  Grandpa is of canine descent, relishing in delight of his grandchild, who is a character worthy of Sendak (perhaps a shell-less juvenile tortoise), but agape with the wonder reflected in Grandpa’s countenance. In early scenes, excitement around childhood toys emanates from both of them. As the story progresses, one is reminded of an animated “It’s a Wonderful Life” capturing the warmth of a small-town, expressed in views of both the city and a cozy residential neighborhood. The characters are indeed good citizens, visiting their elderly neighbors, and patiently managing the pandemic via a pharmacy visit. Expressive depictions of a school classroom, museum, and library all suggest a pleasant familiarity, and the joy inherent in a child’s discovery of them, as well as Grandpa’s recognition of that joy. Even with the evident pandemic, optimism and hope come through – masks and all. May we all bring our children to this sense of comfort and wonder in these times!! – Thomas Carpenter, MD Yale School of Medicine Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology, and of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Dr. Carpenter’s writings have focused on metabolic bone diseases in children. In addition, he is the Medical Director of the Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Research Unit.

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Joseph Howard Cooper published book, movie, and stage-play appreciations at the Huffington Post. His “Pauses and Moments” stories appeared at PsychologyToday.com. His one-act plays were performed at the New Haven International Festival of Arts & Ideas. More recently, his screenplays – the semi-autobiographical “Life after Lebanon” and the whimsical “Escapes: The Grandpa Chronicles” – have been recognized in a dozen global film-festival script competitions. Cooper’s own experience as a grandfather during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired “Grandpa’s lonely, isn’t he?” his debut picture book. He lives in Culver City, California. DeWitt Studios was established by Robin and Patricia: identical twin illustrators. After graduating from Maryland Institute College of Art they began their careers in the Baltimore area and quickly discovered that they were confusing art directors all over town. In 1983 they combined their portfolios when an opportunity to do a children’s book for Stemmer House publishers became available. They have been working together since then and have worked for many publishers including Time-Life, Charlebridge, Stemmer House, FriesenPress and Lawley Publishing. In 1998 Robin returned to Maryland Institute to obtain her masters in digital imaging. Both Robin and Patricia have taught classes in Michigan in book illustration and character design. Robin enjoys gardening; Pat enjoys cooking; and they both love their spotted herd of Dalmatian dogs.

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Contributors

Author

Joseph Howard Cooper

Illustrator

Patricia DeWitt

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