Parents' Guide to

Sun & Spoon

By Matt Berman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Boy seeks something to remember his grandmother.

Book Kevin Henkes Family Life 2004
Sun & Spoon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

marjorieboozer
marjorieboozer Parent of 7-year-old
January 1, 2010
age 7+

perfect for kids of all ages and adults

love it

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Melissa A
Melissa A Adult
July 1, 2009
age 8+

Perfect for all ages

I read this book because I wanted to make sure that it was appropriate to use as a book for book club for my third grade students. I think it is a great choice for this purpose. Children will need help with some decoding of words and defining some wonderful vocabulary. I loved how Henkes handled the difficult subject matter on many values. The adults in this book are wise and perceptive. They are wonderful examples of how children should be treated with respect to guide them through difficult moments in their young lives. I look forward to the conversations my students with have with each other!

This title has:

Educational value
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

"Spoon Gilmore's grandmother had been dead for two months when he realized he wanted something special of hers to keep." So begins this gentle little story about a warm-hearted boy coming to terms with the death of a beloved member of his family. But Spoon isn't alone in his grief; his grandfather is changing before his eyes. When Spoon impulsively takes his grandmother's favorite deck of cards to remember her, his grandfather soon notices its absence, and Spoon doesn't know what to do. But giving them back turns out to be just the first step in finding what he was looking for.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This delicate, poignant story is enriched by delightful characters. There's Spoon's eccentric, poetic little sister Joanie, who carries branches around in a suitcase and calls them tree bones; his tender, grieving grandfather; and Spoon himself, deeply thoughtful and caring, afraid that his memories of his grandmother are fading. Kevin Henkes shows his mastery here, making this simple story affecting without sentimentality, and compelling without contrived dramatics. A small masterpiece.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about holding onto memories of loved ones. How do you keep close the people you miss most?

Book Details

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