Grandpa's Angel

The text of this solidly-made little book is a string of Grandpa's brief, spare memories of a tough but lucky life (lived in 20th-century Germany) as told to the child at his bedside. The larger story is conveyed through simple but engaging ink and watercolour illustrations, well set off by luscious white cartridge paper. These show the benign machinations of the guardian angel who protects Grandpa through the tribulations of childhood, youth and maturity. Much of this is gently humorous, but a sinister note creeps in when the villains change from playground bullies to swastika-wearing soldiers. This is a pleasantly presented tale of life-span woes and satisfactions, but I was a bit troubled by the metaphysics; the idea of evoking supernatural intervention to explain who gets the life-saving job or who goes to the gas-chamber seems a bit much. However, this issue could provide a useful access point for older readers who might otherwise bypass a well-produced book.