Hey Grandude!

October 14, 2019
Inspired by McCartney’s own nickname and featuring a titular wink toward the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” this picture book debut from the musical icon hits all the right notes in the tale of a cool grandfather, his magical compass, and his grandchildren: Lucy, Tom, Em, and Bob. The “Chillers,” as Grandude dubs the foursome, are visiting for the weekend, but gloomy weather is thwarting their fun—“everybody was grumpy and too bored to be bothered.” Enter Grandude with zingy green backpack, a handful of postcards and, like Mary Poppins before him, a mystical compass. The family rides flying fish, horses, and airborne cows in various locales, narrowly evading danger each time before being whisked to the next destination. An energetic refrain (“See the compass needle spin,/ let the magic fun begin!”) and an onomatopoeic arpeggio (“Zing, bang, sizzle... everything changed!”) set the pace for each brisk adventure—until Grandude sees the children home and tucked in for bed. Durst’s colorful illustrations enliven the narrative with cartoon details and scrawled textures. An entertaining, if familiar, debut. Ages 4–6.