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What a Beautiful Morning
Every morning is beautiful when Noah visits his Grandparents. When Grandpa and Noah wake up, they take off singing and hardly stop: walking the dog, splashing through puddles, and eating French toast with cinnamon.
But one summer Grandpa seems to have forgotten how to do the things they love. Does he even know who Noah is?
Grandma steps in energetically, filling in as best she can. But it is Noah who finds the way back to something he can share with Grandpa. Something musical. Something that makes the morning beautiful again.
This is a story about how love helps us
find even what we think is lost.
But one summer Grandpa seems to have forgotten how to do the things they love. Does he even know who Noah is?
Grandma steps in energetically, filling in as best she can. But it is Noah who finds the way back to something he can share with Grandpa. Something musical. Something that makes the morning beautiful again.
This is a story about how love helps us
find even what we think is lost.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2016
92 people want to read
About the author
Arthur A. Levine
15Ìýbooks12ÌýfollowersArthur A. Levine is the U.S. editor of the phenomenally successful Harry Potter series.
Levine grew up in Elmont, on the fringes of New York City. In 1984, Levine joined the staff of the publishing house G.P. Putnam's Sons. While at Putnam's, Levine edited several books, including Rafe Shannon's The Rough-Face Girl and two Caldecott award-winning titles: Officer Buckle and His Dog Gloria and Mirette on the High Wire. Levine also worked a stint at Dial Books for Young People. In 1984, Levine became editor-in-chief of Alfred A. Knopf books for Young People. He launched Arthur A. Levine Books in 1997. In addition to editing, Levine wrote several successful picture books. His latest effort, Tooth Trooth, is slated to be be published soon by Scholastic Press.
Levine grew up in Elmont, on the fringes of New York City. In 1984, Levine joined the staff of the publishing house G.P. Putnam's Sons. While at Putnam's, Levine edited several books, including Rafe Shannon's The Rough-Face Girl and two Caldecott award-winning titles: Officer Buckle and His Dog Gloria and Mirette on the High Wire. Levine also worked a stint at Dial Books for Young People. In 1984, Levine became editor-in-chief of Alfred A. Knopf books for Young People. He launched Arthur A. Levine Books in 1997. In addition to editing, Levine wrote several successful picture books. His latest effort, Tooth Trooth, is slated to be be published soon by Scholastic Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 7, 2021
This is a sweet story about a boy who is helping his grandpa who has either Alzheimer’s or Dementia. He’s learning to understand and accept the changes.
August 10, 2017
A lovely, touching book about a boy who spends summers with his grandparents, and what happens when his grandfather starts to forget things. The grandparent with Alzheimers storyline hits very close to home for me, and this book was a beautiful tribute to how we try to hold on to the good, lucid moments. It handles the disease in a way that is not scary and appealing for young children to try to understand a confusing thing. The watercolor illustrations are very sweet, and the use of gray for a visual indication of the loss is powerful.
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September 28, 2016Ah! This post is entitled "When library searches go wrong..." This book came up under a search for Autumn books. I'm not sure how. I have no idea how it happened. But these things do happen. I know it's cataloged correctly (I checked). There's no accidental use of the word Autumn that I could see, and the book isn't set in Autumn either (it says it's summer but their clothes and flowers imply early spring). But hey, it's a book about some kids granddad getting dementia and forgetting who he is and the kid crying and me freaking out when I realize this halfway through reading it to my VERY astute two year old. I had to start making shit up half way through "oh look! There's grandpa sleeping on the couch again" and Woods is all like "he's sad. he's crying...why is that little boy so sad." uh... yeah... well... you know... But Look! Grandma's there and she's making it better (phew). I'm not sure how I missed this glaring oversight of TOPIC but to be fair, when the book came in, the front image looks like a blankity blank Fall Scene, complete with sweaters and falling orange leaves.. -_-
Last time I don't flip through a book ahead of time.
I think this book would be really great for much older kids going through this with relatives if you're in need of a way to discuss it. Thank goodness for books that tackle tough subjects for kids! But if you don't mind I'll save this one for later and go find some more books at the library about Autumn lol
Last time I don't flip through a book ahead of time.
I think this book would be really great for much older kids going through this with relatives if you're in need of a way to discuss it. Thank goodness for books that tackle tough subjects for kids! But if you don't mind I'll save this one for later and go find some more books at the library about Autumn lol
August 13, 2016
Noah loves to spend his summer days with his Grandpa. Together, they sing each beautiful morning in with a big, booming song. Then, after bringing Grandma a hot cup of coffee, they take the dog out for a long walk, rain or shine, singing the whole way. When they come home, there's cinnamon French toast, thanks to Grandma. And after breakfast, Grandpa always asks Noah the same question: "what's on the docket" for the rest of the day.
But one morning, Grandpa forgets how to cut his French toast, followed by more and more forgotten things, until one day, Grandpa doesn't even remember who Noah is and the time Noah and Grandpa spend together is changed forever. But thanks to wise Grandma, the good days aren't completely over once she tells Noah that they must learn to appreciate what Grandpa still has, not what he has lost.
And Noah discovers just how he and Grandpa can connect with each other again - by singing big, booming songs together.
Like so many kids nowadays, Noah is learning how to accept that fact that his Grandpa is suffering from memory loss, most likely Alzheimer's though nothing specific is mentioned, and that forgetting is going to happen more and more frequently, even forgetting a beloved grandchild. This has to be a difficult thing for a child to understand, especially one who is used to seeing a grandparent who is active, happy and loving.
What a Beautiful Morning is a well-done book that doesn't shy away from the reality of what a memory loss disease like Alzheimer's can do to an older person and how it impacts those around them. I think Arthur Levine has really captured Grandpa's confusion when he wakes up and doesn't know who Noah is and Noah's despair as he runs out of the house "breathing hard, a painful lump in his throat."
Illustrations should always reflect what the text says and Katie Kath's line and watercolor illustrations are a beautiful melding of word and picture from beginning to end. Kath captures the joy that a smiling Noah and Grandpa feel when things are going well in her colorful illustrations and the sadness they both feel when Grandpa doesn't remember things in her black, white and gray illustrations giving the sense that all the joy has drained out of their lives.
What a Beautiful Morning is a lovely and sad book, but it is a story that needs to be told to young readers so that they may understand should their lives ever be impacted by a grandparent's memory loss, and/or feel empathy should one of their friends be in a position like Noah. But whether you can relate to Noah or Grandpa or not, it is a book that should be read by everyone.
Alzheimer's directly impacted Arthur A. Levine life when his father was diagnosed with it. It is one of the reason's this book feels so authentic, rather than a story from his imagination. And he has posted some very useful and important Alzheimer's Resources on his blog to help you and your family understand and deal with this disease better. You can find them
This book is recommended for readers age 4+
This book was sent to me by the publisher, Running Press
This review was originally posted on
But one morning, Grandpa forgets how to cut his French toast, followed by more and more forgotten things, until one day, Grandpa doesn't even remember who Noah is and the time Noah and Grandpa spend together is changed forever. But thanks to wise Grandma, the good days aren't completely over once she tells Noah that they must learn to appreciate what Grandpa still has, not what he has lost.
And Noah discovers just how he and Grandpa can connect with each other again - by singing big, booming songs together.
Like so many kids nowadays, Noah is learning how to accept that fact that his Grandpa is suffering from memory loss, most likely Alzheimer's though nothing specific is mentioned, and that forgetting is going to happen more and more frequently, even forgetting a beloved grandchild. This has to be a difficult thing for a child to understand, especially one who is used to seeing a grandparent who is active, happy and loving.
What a Beautiful Morning is a well-done book that doesn't shy away from the reality of what a memory loss disease like Alzheimer's can do to an older person and how it impacts those around them. I think Arthur Levine has really captured Grandpa's confusion when he wakes up and doesn't know who Noah is and Noah's despair as he runs out of the house "breathing hard, a painful lump in his throat."
Illustrations should always reflect what the text says and Katie Kath's line and watercolor illustrations are a beautiful melding of word and picture from beginning to end. Kath captures the joy that a smiling Noah and Grandpa feel when things are going well in her colorful illustrations and the sadness they both feel when Grandpa doesn't remember things in her black, white and gray illustrations giving the sense that all the joy has drained out of their lives.
What a Beautiful Morning is a lovely and sad book, but it is a story that needs to be told to young readers so that they may understand should their lives ever be impacted by a grandparent's memory loss, and/or feel empathy should one of their friends be in a position like Noah. But whether you can relate to Noah or Grandpa or not, it is a book that should be read by everyone.
Alzheimer's directly impacted Arthur A. Levine life when his father was diagnosed with it. It is one of the reason's this book feels so authentic, rather than a story from his imagination. And he has posted some very useful and important Alzheimer's Resources on his blog to help you and your family understand and deal with this disease better. You can find them
This book is recommended for readers age 4+
This book was sent to me by the publisher, Running Press
This review was originally posted on
August 27, 2016
This is a sweet picture book that gently explores the topic of aging and the onset of dementia. This is not an easy topic for young children to understand, and sharing this story might be a good way to help. Noah spends time visiting his grandparents every summer, and he has an especially close relationship with his grandfather. Many of their fun times are spent singing favorite songs enthusiastically. But one summer, Noah realizes that Grandpa is becoming forgetful and confused. It's upsetting and scary for Noah, but his Grandmother helps him understand what's happening and he finds ways to help his Grandfather through the very songs that they've always enjoyed together.
November 7, 2016
A beautiful, sweet book about the bond between a grandson and his grandfather. They share special moments, singing their way through the day, until grandfather develops dementia. Effective use of color in highlighting the struggle grandfather faces. A nice book for younger kids facing the decline of an aging relative.
September 27, 2016
I was not expecting this to go the direction it did and so was caught off guard emotionally! The story is so sad and still so hopeful at the same time. Perhaps a perfect book for a child who has a grandparent with Alzheimer's.
January 6, 2017
Perfect last line.
November 23, 2024
Cute story about a boy whose grandfather is starting to lose his memory. Noah loves his summer days with his grandparents. The days begin with a song led by grandpa and Noah as grandma sleeps in. They love these beautiful mornings as they head out for their morning walk as grandma enjoys her first cup of coffee. Grandpa and Noah have quite the time out on their walk and then, it’s time to head inside for breakfast. At the table, grandpa always asks Noah, “What’s on the docket?� Noah typically has lots of activities he’d like to do with his grandparents.
But, this year, something is different. As they sit at the table eating their breakfast, grandpa keeps forgetting to ask Noah about what’s on the docket each day. Grandpa is also forgetting other things important things. Luckily, grandma explains to Noah that grandpa gets confused sometimes and he forgets things. She continues to tell Noah that they need to appreciate what grandpa still has. I think that Noah must be very mature because Noah jumps onboard and he starts doing activities as if his grandpa was still there with him, only Noah is doing them by himself. Eventually his grandfather joins Noah and they have some bonding time before grandma steps in.
I liked the feeling that Noah expressed in the book, they are very real and complex. I liked the use of color in the book when grandpa was getting confused and forgetful. An index in the back of the book geared for children would have been a great addition. 4 stars
But, this year, something is different. As they sit at the table eating their breakfast, grandpa keeps forgetting to ask Noah about what’s on the docket each day. Grandpa is also forgetting other things important things. Luckily, grandma explains to Noah that grandpa gets confused sometimes and he forgets things. She continues to tell Noah that they need to appreciate what grandpa still has. I think that Noah must be very mature because Noah jumps onboard and he starts doing activities as if his grandpa was still there with him, only Noah is doing them by himself. Eventually his grandfather joins Noah and they have some bonding time before grandma steps in.
I liked the feeling that Noah expressed in the book, they are very real and complex. I liked the use of color in the book when grandpa was getting confused and forgetful. An index in the back of the book geared for children would have been a great addition. 4 stars
October 11, 2017
This is a beautiful book about Noah and his summer time at his grandparents house. Noah and his grandpa would start their day by singing while they do things together, go for walks or while grandma makes them breakfast. But one day grandpa doesn't know whats going on and he is not singing anymore and he doesn't recognize Noah. Grandma explains to Noah that grandpa forgets things sometimes but he still loves Noah. Noah sings to grandpa and that seems to help him remember.
Theme: This book shows love, perseverance and acceptance.
Response: I think is a great book because it shows how Noah learns to adapt to what his grandpa is going through. He was scared at first but he knows that signing to his grandpa could make things go back to normal. I recommend this book because its a good example to explain to children how when things turn a little bad, love always endures.
Theme: This book shows love, perseverance and acceptance.
Response: I think is a great book because it shows how Noah learns to adapt to what his grandpa is going through. He was scared at first but he knows that signing to his grandpa could make things go back to normal. I recommend this book because its a good example to explain to children how when things turn a little bad, love always endures.
February 20, 2018
Yes this.
Noah (who I at first thought was the dog; sorry, kid) loves to hang out with his grandparents, especially Grandpa who sings through everything. But then Grandpa starts to forget...This is a fabulous book to tell kids it's okay to be sad and confused about older folks not acting the way they used to. Levine's language isn't sing-songy or condescending in the least but is very accessible and plain so that a kid could get it without being infantilized. The illustrations are stellar in using color as a way to indicate the lost moments. And it's true, music helps people remember things even in dementia and Alzheimer's.
I'm so glad to have stumbled across this book and highly recommend it for kids--and adults--who are dealing with loved ones with memory loss. It sucks, and it's alright to name that and then keep going because the loved one is still there.
Noah (who I at first thought was the dog; sorry, kid) loves to hang out with his grandparents, especially Grandpa who sings through everything. But then Grandpa starts to forget...This is a fabulous book to tell kids it's okay to be sad and confused about older folks not acting the way they used to. Levine's language isn't sing-songy or condescending in the least but is very accessible and plain so that a kid could get it without being infantilized. The illustrations are stellar in using color as a way to indicate the lost moments. And it's true, music helps people remember things even in dementia and Alzheimer's.
I'm so glad to have stumbled across this book and highly recommend it for kids--and adults--who are dealing with loved ones with memory loss. It sucks, and it's alright to name that and then keep going because the loved one is still there.
May 1, 2018
This book cover drew me in and its story made me cry...for all the right reasons.
A little boy has a sweet relationship with his grandpa and they create so many memories. They have certain things they just do and inside jokes... ...then Grandpa starts forgetting things. Even who his grandson is and Grandpa sleeps more.
The boy is distraught but he starts doing things with his grandmother and she gives him the courage to still do all the same things with Grandpa even if he doesn't always remember (but sometimes he does) and to love Grandpa through what are hard times for all.
My own grandfather suffered from dementia and confused me for my mother who had passed many years before. It's hard. This book would be a great way to start a difficult conversation and hopefully assuage fears and encourage love.
A little boy has a sweet relationship with his grandpa and they create so many memories. They have certain things they just do and inside jokes... ...then Grandpa starts forgetting things. Even who his grandson is and Grandpa sleeps more.
The boy is distraught but he starts doing things with his grandmother and she gives him the courage to still do all the same things with Grandpa even if he doesn't always remember (but sometimes he does) and to love Grandpa through what are hard times for all.
My own grandfather suffered from dementia and confused me for my mother who had passed many years before. It's hard. This book would be a great way to start a difficult conversation and hopefully assuage fears and encourage love.
April 6, 2019
What a Beautiful Morning by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Katie Kath. PICTURE BOOK. Running Press Kids, 2016. $17. 9780762459063
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Noah and his Grandpa have always had so much fun singing and playing together. Lately, however, Grandpa seems to be getting forgetful. Only when Noah sings does he seem to remember all of the fun they have together. Noah is worried about this new side to Grandpa.
A nice selection to pair with The Remember Balloons by Jesse Oliveros to talk to students about grandparents growing older and memory problems. I like that it talks about music as a memory stimulator-- plus I think you should sing together as much as possible anyway!
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Noah and his Grandpa have always had so much fun singing and playing together. Lately, however, Grandpa seems to be getting forgetful. Only when Noah sings does he seem to remember all of the fun they have together. Noah is worried about this new side to Grandpa.
A nice selection to pair with The Remember Balloons by Jesse Oliveros to talk to students about grandparents growing older and memory problems. I like that it talks about music as a memory stimulator-- plus I think you should sing together as much as possible anyway!
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
February 13, 2017
The title doesn't indicate what this is really about. A young boy has a very close relationship with his grandfather, but over time he realizes that his grandfather is changing. He's not remembering things, doesn't have his usual spunk, gets confused, and starts to look at the boy like a stranger. Dementia and Alzheimer's would be difficult to explain to a child, and this book doesn't really try, it just illustrates a way that the boy found to connect with his grandfather (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't) so that they can still share some happy times. I'm glad that this book was written:)
July 19, 2018
Every morning is beautiful when Noah visits his Grandparents. When Grandpa and Noah wake up, they take off singing and hardly stop: walking the dog, splashing through puddles, and eating French toast with cinnamon.
But one summer Grandpa seems to have forgotten how to do the things they love. Does he even know who Noah is?
Grandma steps in energetically, filling in as best she can. But it is Noah who finds the way back to something he can share with Grandpa. Something musical. Something that makes the morning beautiful again.
This is a story about how love helps us
find even what we think is lost.
But one summer Grandpa seems to have forgotten how to do the things they love. Does he even know who Noah is?
Grandma steps in energetically, filling in as best she can. But it is Noah who finds the way back to something he can share with Grandpa. Something musical. Something that makes the morning beautiful again.
This is a story about how love helps us
find even what we think is lost.
Read
May 26, 2021Lovely color storytelling (Grandpa is grey when he's feeling more memory loss). Watercolors make this a cheery story about a singing grandpa and the grandson. It shows how memory and music are linked and gives them something to do together and a way to emotionally connect. It gives a child a sense of being able to help and do something. I need to note: This is early stages of Alzheimer's. Not for late stages because it shows young grandson and grandpa being able to go on walks without getting lost. I liked it but it is only good for an introduction to Alzheimer's, not where our family is now with our loved one.
June 18, 2019
Such a tender book, dealing with the dementia of the grandfather of a boy named Noah--though the issue is never named. Such a carefree, fun, loving relationship between the two. Then Noah becomes confused,frightened, and angry when Grandpa starts forgetting the simplest things and even forgets occasionally who Noah is. (The illustrations capture the child's emotions so well here!) Grandma lovingly explains, "we have to appreciate what he still has, not focus on what he's lost." But Noah finds that difficult--until he finds a way to unlock some special connections they've had all along.
August 27, 2018
This looks like a sweet, beautifully illustrated story about a boy and his Grandpa, right?
Right. It really is. But that twist! I wasn't expecting to cry with this one judging from the cover, but it handles the aging of a grandparent so well and sweetly and in a very age-appropriate manner. You may want to preview this one before reading it to your kids, but my four-year-old had no problem with it at all.
Right. It really is. But that twist! I wasn't expecting to cry with this one judging from the cover, but it handles the aging of a grandparent so well and sweetly and in a very age-appropriate manner. You may want to preview this one before reading it to your kids, but my four-year-old had no problem with it at all.
January 17, 2019
Ooof. This one will get you right in the heart. Noah loves spending time with his Grandpa, but one summer Grandpa isn't quite himself. He can't remember any of their routines or even how to cut his French toast. Grandma and Noah work together to fill in some of Grandpa's gaps, and eventually Noah discovers a way to bring Grandpa back to himself. This a lovely book that will really hit home for kids who need it.
September 9, 2021
Having lost my grandmother to Alzheimers one month ago today, this book hit me hard, but in a really good way. I'm glad there are people out there writing books so that children can find hope and joy and learn to adapt as a beloved grandparent begins to lose their memory due to dementia or Alzheimers. We like the way the illustrations helped convey emotions as the colors went from colorful to drab, then colorful again. My son said this was his favorite book for this evening.
January 17, 2017
Extremely well done and sensitive handling of a grandson's response to his grandfather's dementia. Singing is one way he helps remind his grandfather of who he is and what he loves to do. I particularly enjoyed the color's used in the illustrations - when grandpa forgets, he fades to blacks and whites but when he remembers - bright colors!
May 11, 2017
A beautiful story about Noah and his sweet, energetic grandfather, who would sing, walk, and cook with him. When grandpa starts becoming tired and forgetful (presumably alzheimer's), Noah is very upset. Luckily their favorite songs can temporarily bring Grampa back to Noah, but it is a lot of work.
Sweet, but not overly sugarcoated.
Sweet, but not overly sugarcoated.
December 22, 2019
This is a bit painful because my mother has Alzheimer's, but it's great this book exists, because there's a lot of grandchildren whose grandparents get memory problems, and this helps them to deal with it. I pity my parents' grandchildren, though, because my dad got cancer and died before he could help his grandchildren like this grandmother did, but I suppose their parents will do the job.
May 25, 2023
A sweet and touching story about a grandchild's loving relationship with his grandparents, and how things change and how they stay the same when the grandfather begins losing his memory. I too had a grandparent who seemed to know a song for every occasion, so this brought back some memories for me as well.
August 22, 2023
Nice use of color (Grandpa is grey when disoriented, colorful when happy and engaged) and realistic in using music as a way for a child to connect to an adult with dementia (one of the last things to leave the brain). Not depressing but not denying the difficult feelings that come with a loved one having dementia, either.
August 23, 2017
Wow. This was especially moving because I have spent some time caring for a friend's father who has dementia. It is hard to wrap our minds around. There is a tremendous sense of loss, and then small sparks of normalcy. This book captured that beautifully.
January 11, 2019
A beautiful story about a young boy learning how to still communicate and have fun with his grandfather who has alzheimer's. My favorite part of the book is the use of color to show emotion and thought.
March 18, 2019
This story would be a gentle introduction to a child who has a grandparent or other adult figure in their life who has Alzheimer's or dementia. In this story, the boy learns that his grandfather starts to come out of a fog through song and shared memories.
January 26, 2021
Weird complaint, but this book is almost too hopeful. It kind of makes it seem like if you sing, your loved one with dementia will always be able to find the thread. It's just not a great expectation to give kids.
April 10, 2021
A sweet story about a boy connecting with his grandfather who has dementia. My daughter particularly liked the use of black & white versus color to tell the story. A good conversation starter on the topic of aging.
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