Pinkney Barlow, Charnelle. Two Artists, Grandad and Me. Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, Illus. Random House/Doubleday, 01/2026. [29]pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5935-7122-4. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Written by the late artist’s granddaughter, Two Artists, Grandad and Me offers a snapshot of life with Jerry Pinkney. While lacking in traditional biographical details, the narrative style reads like a story, immersing the reader in a day in Pinkney’s studio. Younger readers will especially enjoy repeated onomatopoeia that create the atmosphere of his lively, often musical art space. The story captures Pinkney’s warmth and his encouragement to see oneself as an artist. Collages of cut paper, colored pencil drawings, and found objects craft the studio setting of the story. Pinkney and his granddaughter are both Black. Two pages of back matter contain sketches by Pinkney, information on his illustration process, family photographs, and more specific family stories.
Sicilia Smith—Alameda Free Library