Rocio Bonilla is a prolific Spanish author/illustrator with over 50 titles published, translated into multiple languages around the world. She’s best known for the beloved Minimoni character and spinoff series Babymoni. Grandpas, Piranhas, and other Stories looks at first glance like a short story collection; in many ways it is, but it focuses on the outlandish type of tales of the past that only a Grandpa can tell.
Nico has a much beloved Grandpa. Mum says they are ‘two peas in a pod’. They love spending time together, especially when Grandpa tells Nico stories from his childhood. These stories range from the feasible to the questionable to the downright outlandish. Nico’s eyes are open in wonder, whether he completely believes them or not, as he gradually gets to know his family’s history and appreciate his Grandpa’s jocular personality. Sometimes Grandpa helps Nico (maths homework) and sometimes he gets to help Grandpa (cell phone!).
As appears to be the way with Bonilla’s storytelling, this seemingly conventionally warm-hearted plot suddenly takes a twist. We learn that Grandpa is dating Nico’s friend Rita’s Grandma, Mercedes. Then we follow other grandparents in the neighbourhood as they build birdhouses, play violin, cook up feasts and discuss the news. Across families, this book presents a delightful, contemporary view of grandparents as complex humans, with a very special role to play in the lives of children. A moving conclusion sees Nico questioning the fact that he knows Grandpa won’t be around forever, but looking forward to being the one who tells stories for the next generation.
The illustrations are full of personality and well worth slow reading, with elegant movements between past and present, and much emotion shown subtly through facial expressions. The cover shows Nico and Grandpa in their greatest (imaginary) caper of all – escaping some piranhas before being rescued by a pirate ship! This book is a reflection on the power of story to shape who we are.
