A young boy uses different art techniques to express love and admiration for his grandmother, courtesy of classes he is taking at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. By observing various types of art in the museum, including modern, classical, ancient, and impressionism, the students (the teacher calls them her "little Picassos") learn that art can be beautiful, funny, and unique. These traits also apply to the boy's grandmother, so he determines he should give her to the museum. The curator, however, nixes this idea, so the boy thinks up a new way to honor her. He studies and practices various artistic methods, which culminates in an at-home art opening filled with visages of grandma in different styles. While giving a nod to famous artworks, Bliss maintains his own comic style with pen, ink, and watercolor drawings enhanced with speech and thought bubbles. The overall effect is an approachable and creative tribute to fine art, and fine grandmas, everywhere.

Young museum visitors suggest reasons why the institution might acquire an object. Realizing the criteria ("It's beautiful," "It's different," etc.) apply to his grandmother, our hero decides to donate her. When his donation is declined, he depicts Grandma in various styles and media (with influences from Van Gogh to modern comics) and stages a one-man art show. Open-hearted watercolors match the uncomplicated text.

Gr 1-3 "Saturday is the best day. Because that's the day I go to art class at the museum," explains an African American boy. He and his classmates discuss famous art pieces and discuss why each one is worthy to be included in the museumbecause it's beautiful/funny/one-of-a-kind/makes viewers feel good. The boy realizes that his beloved grandmother fulfills all of the requirements for a museum exhibit and decides to donate her to the collection. The curator treats his idea with respect but explains that the museum does not accept grandmas. Undaunted, the boy goes into a frenzy of art study and creation in order to hold his own exhibit. Each piece features his grandmother and is an homage to a different artist or movement. At the end, in front of the titular piece, Grandma in Blue with a Hat , his grandma tells him that the exhibit is wonderful and one-of-a-kind. "Just like Grandma," he adds proudly. The illustrations are full of clever nods and references to famous art and skillfully done; however, none of the struggle or reality of creating art is shown, and the boy seems to create and host a museum-quality show complete with exhibit guides. It's not clear whether he is incredibly talented or if the exhibit is pictured as he imagines it. Art quibbles aside, the story is well written and serves as a great introduction to art appreciation. VERDICT The subject matter, along with a tender grandparent relationship, makes this a worthwhile purchase for large collections. Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN