When Grandfather Flew
1 Hardcover/1 CD

Grandfather, an avid birdwatcher, teaches his grandchildren about birds. After his eyes fail, he continues to enjoy birdsong. On his passing, his laconic grandson points at an eagle in flight and identifies it as his grandfather. A lovely variety of birdsong and flight sounds are interspersed throughout the story, adding depth, and soft page-fluttering sounds mark the page turns, matching the tone of this gentle story of family connection and loss. The musical score adjusts its tone appropriately, using expansive music when accenting a description of the wide open sky and hopeful music when an injured bird flies again. This story is narrated in two voices, one for the main narrator and the other for the grandfather. Guidall, as grandfather, has a wise, warm voice that capably shows his love for the wonders he sees in both birds and his grandchildren. Schorr’s crisp, lively narration captures the child’s perspective. This tender tale introduces death and highlights two generations connected by the joy that watching nature brings.

A few notes of birdsong create the perfect prelude to this heartwarming story, beautifully narrated by Katie Schorr and George Guidall. In the midst of birdcalls, fluttering wings, and other environmental sounds, a girl remembers her grandfather's passion for birds and for sharing that joy with his grandchildren. The older man's relationship with her family--particularly his special connection with her quiet little brother--inspires poignant moments of caring for and respecting the natural world. Schorr's delivery of the story's youthful voices is gently animated and perfectly complemented by Guidall's engaging warmth as the grandfather. A lovely musical score enhances their performance, and silent pauses for page-turns allow ample time for admiring the accompanying picture book's evocative illustrations.