Billy's grandfather teaches him how to carve a model ship out of a tree branch then expires. The lesson is a prelude to death. The timing of the interaction between grandfather and grandson lends itself to a meaningful and empowered position for the grandson after the loss. Here the the gift is that of using one's imagination creatively in the quest of enjoying a life devoted to art and love. BILLY AND THE SECRET SHIP is about the passing of the torch from a beloved grandfather to his beloved grandson through the adventures they share. Along the way, Grandpa Frank transmits an empowering legacy that will live on through Billy forever.