“I’ll Be the Water: A Story of a Grandparent’s Love” by Alec Aspinwall

“I’ll Be the Water” tells the story of a grandfather’s aging and dying through the eyes of a young boy named Joshua. The two of them engage in numerous adventures together — eating peanut butter-and-banana sandwiches, toasting with ice cream cones and going on fishing excursions.

Joshua and his grandfather toast with ice cream cones, a tradition that Joshua later carries on with his own daughter.

Joshua’s awareness of his grandfather’s aging occurs one day when he notices that his hands are shaking and he’s moving more slowly. Then comes the hospital, and the tests.

Joshua sits at his grandfather’s bedside in the hospital.

The author, Alec Aspinwall, makes the relatively dark subject matter more palatable through humor. Joshua tells his grandfather, “I wish you weren’t so good at getting old,” to which his grandfather responds: “I always have been an overachiever.”

Many children will likely appreciate the acknowledgement of their own innate wisdom in “I’ll Be the Water.” When Joshua’s father tells him that “Everything will be fine,” Joshua reflects on prior losses and knows better than to believe the cliché.

Joshua and his grandfather speak frankly about death while fishing.

Perhaps most valuable, however, is the grandfather’s direct confrontation with death. He addresses the issue in a straightforward conversation with Joshua. He doesn’t deny the uncertainty, stating that “nobody really knows what dying is like because nobody ever lives to tell about it.” Instead, he acknowledges that their bond will live on, saying: “I’ll be the water. You might think I’m not with you, but we’ll be closer than ever because you’re surrounded by my love.”

From “I’ll Be the Water,” children will learn that their connection with grandparents can transcend death.

This sweet, tragic tale, beautifully illustrated by Nicole Wong, will be a boon to children who are experiencing the death of a beloved grandparent. Books provide a strong visual aid in assisting children to comprehend the concept of death. “I’ll Be the Water” will help them to understand that while death and loss are an inherent part of life, deep connections have the ability to transcend time and space, providing comfort long after a loved one is gone.