The Frank Show

Enjoyed by readers of age: 6 to 8

Read the most by: boys and girls

This hilarious, offbeat picture book from the creator of Marshall Armstrong Is New to Our School reveals that there is more to the older generation than meets the eye. Grandpa Frank doesn’t have any interesting hobbies, unless you count complaining about how everything was better in the old days. He doesn’t speak Italian like Paolo’s mom, or play the drums like Tom’s uncle. He’s just a grandpa. So when the young narrator of this story is forced to bring Frank to school for show-and-tell, he’s sure it’s going to be a disaster. But Frank has a trick—make that a tattoo—up his sleeve! And a story to go with it. After all, the longer you’ve been around, the more time you’ve had for wild adventures.

Praise for The Frank Show
STARRED REVIEWS
“Mackintosh’s busy, helter-skelter images contribute mightily to the story’s humor and emotional honesty, but it’s the willful personalities of both of these protagonists that make it stand out.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This humorous and heartwarming tale will inspire children to seek out their own grandparents' treasure trove of stories."
—Shelf-Awareness, starred review

"Pore over the funny details, soak in the humor (the things-were-a-lot-tougher-in-my-day spread had me in stitches), appreciate the very specific mood Mackintosh so successfully creates in this story, and delight in the illustration, lettering and overall design, all handled by the talented and overachieving Mackintosh."
—Kirkus Reviews blog

"Mackintosh writes with irreverence, and his illustrations are packed with prickly humor... But Mackintosh also draws with emotional sensitivity and empathy."
—The New York Times online

"Old-timey gripes gain zest from Mr. Mackintosh's exuberant and colorful collage illustrations."
—The Wall Street Journal

"Complete with lively pen-and-ink illustrations, this offbeat picture book is sure to become a family favorite. Along the way, it may prompt children to wonder what exciting details their grandparents have yet to reveal about their own life stories."
—BookPage

"The cartoon illustrations are very funny. Frank’s oversize glasses with a missing right temple enhance the mood. A sweet story that proves that elderly relatives can be cool after all."
—School Library Journal

"As a lover of vintage and vintage-inspired children’s books, I was instantly enamored with The Frank Show by British illustrator and designer David Mackintosh — a charming homage to grandparents and the art of seeing beneath the grumpy exterior."
—Brain Pickings

"The art is appealing as well; digitally created scenes pulls together planes of vivid color, a multitude of small elements outlined in black scrawls, and elements of collage."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Reminding readers that everyone has a story to tell, this picture book is fun to read while providing insight into human character."
—Reading Today Online

Awards:
GOLD - Parents' Choice Award Winner, Picture Books