Bank Street Best 2021

“Think of it this way,” Grandpa says. “Today, you and I are like two fish swimming together in this lake. When I die, things will be different. I won’t be a fish anymore, but I’ll become something even better. My love will be like the water in the lake. You might think I’m not with you, but we’ll be closer than ever because you’ll be surrounded by my love.” Long after Grandpa dies, Joshua comes to understand that Grandpa kept his promise―and that love and its memory survive death. When grown-up Joshua goes fishing with his daughter, he teaches her what Grandpa taught him: “She knows we never have to feel alone or afraid because we are surrounded by a love that lasts forever.”

“Each memory is like a special gift I can unwrap again and again,” said Grandpa. “And that’s a gift I want to give you, too.”

Alec Aspinwall began his career in education as a school counselor. He and his wife have served in schools in Asia and Europe for twenty-five years, returning whenever they can to their Idaho home. This is his debut book.

Nicole Wong was raised by a designer/painter dad and a fashion illustrator mom and never thought of becoming anything except an illustrator. She has illustrated twenty children’s books, including Three Lost Seeds, using collage, egg tempera, oils, watercolor, ink, and other media.

“A comforting and meaningful addition to stories about loss and grieving.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A moving story of a grandfather’s love for his grandson. They share a special bond of fishing together. As he grows older and becomes ill, the two share an intimate discussion on dying, which is a wonderful way to explain to young children how someone they care for deeply will always be with them through their memories.” — Youth Services Book Review

I'll Be The Water