Two Artists, Grandad and Me -- Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, Hardcover

A young girl spends a magical day in her grandad's painting studio, discovering the joy of art, music, and the special bond they share. By the granddaughter of legendary Caldecott Medal-winning children's book illustrator Jerry Pinkney.

Step into the warm, jazz-filled world of a young girl and her artist grandad, as she learns about her grandad's paintings and discovers the joy of creating her own art.

In this inspiring story, a very young painter learns there is no right way to be an artist, and that every brushstroke and every sketch is a unique expression of her imagination. With Grandad's gentle guidance, she draws, dreams, and lets her creativity flow, filling the studio with memories and masterpieces. As the day fades, the young artist realizes that time spent with Grandad is a treasure to carry in her heart forever.

Based on her memories of time with her grandfather--beloved children's book creator Jerry Pinkney--Charnelle Pinkney Barlow's beautifully illustrated picture book will inspire young readers to embrace their creative spirit and cherish the moments shared with loved ones. An afterword by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow details the special relationship she and her grandad shared and the creative inspiration she derived from his love and guidance.

Author: Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Published: 01/20/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
ISBN: 9780593571224
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 10/06/2025

About the Author
CHARNELLE PINKNEY BARLOW received her BFA in illustration from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, and her MFA in the Illustration as Visual Essay program from the School of Visual Arts, New York. Charnelle is the author and illustrator of Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar, and the illustrator of Everything in Its Place, The Real Santa, and Born Ready. Charnelle lives in Indianapolis with her husband. When she's not drawing, she is baking, sewing, or reading with a cup of tea by her side.