Two Artists, Grandad and Me by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: January 20, 2026
• Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
• ISBN: 9780593571224

Visit Jerry Pinkney’s studio with his granddaughter in this celebration of a granddaughter’s love of art and her connection with her grandfather. There are papers around the room, stacks of stories, and bright watercolors on a tray. Grandad shows her how to make a wash, but Charnelle can’t do it quite the same way. He gives Charnelle her own sketchbook to fill. The two draw side-by-side and Grandad explains that each artist will see the world in their own way. 

Celebrate the nurturing of a young artist in this picture book about one of the best-known picture book artists of our time. Tying music into the feel of the book, the quiet time spent together each making art clearly inspired her to become the artist she is today. The illustrations in her book pay homage to her grandfather and still have a feel all her own as she uses cut paper figures and objects like paint brushes and erasers to create pages with depth and texture. 

A warm and lovely tribute to a genius of picture book creation. Appropriate for ages 4-7.