Kyle is not happy. Well who would be. He knows fine well he’s being fobbed off on his Grandad for the afternoon. His parents insist it is only for two hours while they attend an appointment but to Kyle that feels the same as two weeks.
Grandad is more switched on than Kyle gives him credit for.
‘What young feller wants to spend two hours with an old codger like me?’
Setting off, wearing his crazy Elvis impersonator’s wig, Grandad takes his three legged dog, Rude Word, and tells Kyle to follow him to the Beck.
Teaching Kyle a whole new language of colloquialisms, Grandad explains a beck is what is known as a stream. This one has been cleaned up by a local charity and is full of life! Including the rare and protected crayfish.
Socks and shoes off, Kyle and Grandad wade in the clear water and Kyle realises, he will be more than happy to come back and visit Grandad.
The next time he is dropped off, Grandad’s neighbour, Karthi joins them and they walk along the beck until they reach a part that is blocked off and entry is forbidden as a warehouse and car park are going to be built there.
Grandad tells them not to worry, he has a plan to save the beck.
But what will happen when Grandad falls ill, who will save it then?
A brilliant story to encourage intergenerational appreciation.
The friendship between Kyle and Grandad comes alive on the page as they share their joy of nature and the desire to fight those who do not take care of it.
I loved Grandad’s wig and his three legged dog, Karthi’s no-nonsense approach and Kyle’s gradual understanding that he has the power to help change come about.
In this story, Kyle learns he can find allies in the unlikeliest of places and appearances are not always what they first seem to be.
A tale of hope, friendship and kindness.
Cover design and illustration by David Wardle.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke for the review copy.
