Spendin’ Time: A Picture Book about Family and Slowing Down, for Kids (Ages 4-8)

For fans of Oge Mora and Ezra Jack Keats comes a poetic and joyful tale about a young boy who runs errands with his grandfather in town, by critically acclaimed author, Gary R. Gray, Jr. (I’m From), and award-winning artist, Rahele Jomepour Bell.

“What are we doing today, Granddad?”
“How about a trip to town? Nan needs some things for dinner.”
“Let’s go!”
“How far to the market, Granddad?”
“No rush, son! We’re just spendin’ time.”

Upbeat lyricism and cheerful illustration bring to life this kid-friendly meditation on appreciating every moment—big or small—spent with the people you love.

Gary R. Gray, Jr. is a poet and educator who writes for young children and adults, and he is the host of the podcast It’s Personal. His Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor winning and critically acclaimed picture book debut, I’m From was inspired by growing up in Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada’s oldest Black community. He and his wife have been international educators for more than ten years. You can visit him online at garyrgrayjr.com. 

Rahele Jomepour Bell is a multi-award-winning Iranian American children’s book creator and illustration professor at the Kansas City Art Institute. She has illustrated several books, including To Change a Planet; Book’s Big Adventure; Our Favorite Day of the Year; and I Will Always Be… Her inspiration comes mostly from her childhood, Friday night family gatherings at her grandparents’ house, and illustrated books from around the world. Rahele is happiest creating illustrations that send the imagination flying, offer a new look at an old idea, and reassure the viewer of their place in this world. You can visit her at rahelestudio.com.