Bring the tissues when you read The One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence and illustrator Matt James (read via an online reader copy, due later October 2025). This is a bittersweet story of the love of a grandson and grandfather and how the tables turn as time goes by, but music always pulls them together.
The story is about how a young boy is always surrounded by music. One night he tells his grandfather he, too, wants to make music like his favorite song the one about the blackbird (I assumed the Beatles song, but it could be almost any song which is probably why it is vague to begin with). The next day his grandfather starts to teach him the guitar. Of course it is hard, but the child and grandfather go through the years until it is time for the boy to go out on his own. Later, he returns and their roles reverse as the grandfather is now dealing with dementia.
This is all wrapped up in some easy but not simple illustrations. They have an old school and yet, modern feeling to them as well. They are not bold, but not muted and set the tone for things. The cuteness of the boy in pajamas as he is holding a bowl of cereal or sitting on the porch swing holding a too large guitar is both adorable and foreshadowing to what is to come. Things are emotional and have a hopefulness to them.
Overall, this book is going to be one that readers love or not, with little in between. It is strong with softness to the tone. As all books it is an experience each reader takes and gives to it via their own experiences, biases, likes and dislikes.