Grandfather loves music and teaches Jack to play the guitar. Years pass and Jack plays for large audiences. Meanwhile, grandfather forgets many things but when Jack plays he remembers the song that they both loved best.
The illustrations by Matt James are clear, colorful, and moving.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library! Pub Date Oct 21, 2025
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected galley proof from Tundra Book Group | Tundra Books via NetGalley. ***** #review #goodreads #storygraph #NetGalley @librarythingofficial #TheOneAbouttheBlackbird by Melanie Florence @mflowrites illustrated by @mrmattcjames @tundrabooks @penguinrandomca #kidlit #picturebooks #Canadianauthors #kidsbooks #canlit #childrensbookillustration @childrensbookcouncil #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @indigo #kidsbooks #Canada #dementia #connecting #songs #musictherapy #loveofmusic #guitar #family

This moving story begins with a grandfather passing down to his grandson his passion for music. The affection between the two is palpable from the start, with the grandfather teaching Jack not only to play the guitar, but also kind lessons about patience and persistence. By the end of the book, it is clear how much Jack has learned, with compassion swapping places as the grandfather ages. The theme of memory is realistic but subtly and tenderly illustrated—as Jack gets older and travels around the world, he listens to music that comforts him and reminds him of home, and then, in turn, he plays that same music to—in a way—bring his grandfather home.

I received an electronic ARC from Tundra Book Group through NetGalley.
Tears in my eyes as I finished this one. Florence takes readers from Jack's childhood when he loved to listen to music with his grandfather through a much older Jack switching roles and teaching his grandfather to remember playing. The grandfather taught Jack to play the guitar and to build up to playing their favorite song about blackbirds. Readers are left to decide for themselves what this song might be. Music fills Jack's life as it did his grandfather's and as time passes, we see Jack offer music back to his grandfather as he fades. The illustrations capture the joy music brings them both and the ways life changes as they both age. A delightful family read, especially if grandparents are starting to age in significant ways.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced ebook copy. I am forever grateful to find new stories, subtle or not, about mental illnesses because of my own family history. Lately I had been looking for different ways to explain memory loss and dementia to aa couple of my students, whose parents have talked to me about some issues at home regarding grandparents. I was hoping to get some insight on why these children were more down and disruptive than usual and I wanted to get some insight. I decided to check this one out since it seemed to have language simple enough for my ten year olds, and I have shared it on class to make a read-along so I could talk about my own experience with dementia on my family and let them talk about it. Apart from liking the drawings, we were able to discuss memories from our late family members and the parents of these specific children have reached out to me to thank for the opening in class. I first read it on my own and it got on my feelings, so I'm looking forward to getting a copy for myself and for next year's class.

Thank you to Tundra Books and Netgalley for the digital arc
A young boy, his musician grandfather, a guitar, and a very special song about a blackbird, bind this story together. As the years pass, the grandson becomes an accomplished musician and performs with his grandfather's guitar. He visits his grandfather and even though his grandfather's memory has failed, he still requests the song about the blackbird. Warm story about family, heirlooms, and memory.
Exceptional illustrations ---“dimensional elements were made from cut paper, masking tape, rolled-up twine,, cardboard and Masonite, all painted with acrylic.”

This picture book is beautiful. The relationship between the grandfather and grandson is so special and honored throughout the book. They have a connection that is fostered, specifically through music. This book is relatable with beautiful language and images. A sure-to-be classic!

This is such a sweet and heartfelt story about the special bond between a boy and his grandfather, and how the love of music connects them. Through quiet, meaningful moments, we see how a simple gift—like learning to play a song—can leave a lasting impression that stays with us for a lifetime.
Melanie Florence beautifully captures the power of love, memory, and legacy, reminding us how the time we spend with loved ones can shape who we become. It’s a gentle, emotional read that honors the influence of grandparents in the most touching way.
Perfect for readers of all ages, The One About the Blackbird is a tender tribute to family, tradition, and the music that lives on in our hearts. 💛🎵

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

A touching full circle book highlighting how music can impact our lives. Jack grows up with his grandfather's love of music in his home. As he ages his love for music grows and he is able share it with is grandfather as he suffers memory loss.

Well that'll just make you want to cry, won't it?? Such a tender story about a boy and his grandfather and their shared love of music. I'm impressed that the author found a very kid-friendly way to cover a very serious topic (dementia). Plus the illustrations are fabulous. This one is a win!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

The pictures are so beautiful in this sweet story about a boy and his grandfather. They bond over music when the boy is young and that bond remains when the grandfather is older and forgetting his important memories. This is sweet and sad and hopeful and gorgeous

Beautiful full-circle story about a grandfather and grandson and their shared love of music and guitar. Word choice and illustrations were both very thoughtful and engaging, and will be appreciated by musicians.

We’ve read a handful of children’s books covering dementia and this is on the very light side, nothing too serious or sad here but leaves room for conversation all the same. Perfect for younger kids and older music lovers alike. Our 3.5 year old guitarist loved it.

The One About the Blackbird is a gorgeous, high-quality children's book about a boy and his grandfather bonding over their love and appreciation of music. The book provides a beautiful entry point for discussing relationships with our older family members, and it could easily be used to discuss and explain dementia to young children. I will definitely be purchasing this book when it comes out, as it's gorgeous illustrations and beautiful dialogue lends itself well to a lower elementary space. This book could also be paired beautifully with the song Blackbird by the Beatles. I will note that some of the text was difficult to read due to the font colour being white on sometimes light yellows or greens, which detracted slightly. I'm hoping it was just on screen, and the in person book is easier to read. Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This is such a touching story about the love between a grandfather and grandson, and the healing element of music. As a young boy, Jack likes listening to his grandfather play guitar and requests the one about the blackbird (I assume this refers to the Beatles song). When Jack grows up, his grandfather is suffering dementia and Jack becomes his guide, helping him remember how to hold and play the guitar. I was an emotional wreck after reading this, but what a lovely story about the power of love! We should all have a grandfather like Jack's.

Netgalley ARC- Oh this was so touching! I think the full circle moment and tenderness of the reversing roles as the characters age makes the ending hit extra hard. Highly recommend.

A sweet, full-circle story of a boy and his grandfather, The One About the Blackbird was a journey through time and musical connection.

I loved the concept behind this book. As a musician and teacher of it, I am always appreciative of the power of music. I enjoyed how so much of the book was beautiful and engaging, the illustrations serving the text wonderfully without overpowering the message.

A few things fell a little flat for me though, (musical pun unintended). The introduction of Jack and his grandfather didn't quite ring true, and the ending didn't pack quite the punch I was expecting. Still, it was a lovely read, and a moving theme.

Thank you to Tundra Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

4 stars