Sam's grandmother has come from far away to live with his family, and she and Sam share a close relationship. Gran tells wonderful stories about all the places she has been, and her imagination is so great that she is able to take Sam on journeys to these places with her. They have a special place, in the railway yard where they go and where she tells her stories among 'the smell of steel and the shudder of engines'. When she tells Sam that it is time for her to fly away, he is worried that he won't see her again, but he comes to realise that he will be able to be with her through his memories and her stories. Death is not mentioned as such, but it is apparent that gran's disappearance is just that. This is a powerful story with powerful and unusual illustrations. The theme is subtly handled, but the pictures are almost photographically real. Not for every child, but useful for those with some maturity and insight.