Grandparent's Day, 2002
The following reviews were presented in our 2002 Grandparent's Day feature.
Reviews
Ark in the Park
Wendy Orr
Illustrations by Kerry Millard
In a cozy easy-reader chapter book, apartment dweller Sophie longs for some nearby grandparent substitutes and a pet as her mother is too busy paying attention to twin babies. Then she spots Noah's Ark, a pet store made to look like a three-story sailing ship and cajoles her father into taking her there for her birthday. The childless and elderly Noahs have longed for children around them and this family suits the bill. So Sophie spends her weekends training pets for the Noahs, making sure other people get the pet they need (a bittersweet chapter). She also gets to feed the birds, and take a pony cart ride home. Kerry Millard's cheerful black line drawings illustrate every page and owe a nod to her fellow Australian Bob Graham. These, along with pages satisfyingly slick to the touch, and eleven chapters in under seventy pages, make this just right for early elementary readers who don't want too much drama to their plots. The book's Australian origin is barely visible, except for teatime. 2000 (orig. 1994), Holt, Ages 6 to 9, $15.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-8050-6221-1
Big Mama
Tony Crunk
Pictures by Margot Apple
She may be Billy Boyd's grandmother, but Big Mama is a favorite of all the neighborhood kids. She's not fussy about noise or mess, she's handy at making trains and space ships, and she plays a fair game of kickball. But "best of all" is the walk to Woody's for ice cream. They can pass the high points of town, enjoy their ice cream, and then are led back home. There is a sense of sweet nostalgia in this simple story of past happy times. As the gang meanders along, Apple shows us the charm of Mrs. Groom's corn patch as well as a dump truck unloading asphalt. The visual story is told by colored pencils that seem to caress the paper; the whole neighborhood is gently glowing; people, buildings and yards blend together harmoniously. The racially mixed kids even include a boy in a wheelchair. 2000, Farrar Straus and Giroux, Ages 4 to 7, $16.00. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0374306885
The Biggest Fish in the Lake
Margaret Carney
Illustrated by Janet Wilson
The young protagonist in this charming picture book loves to fish with her Grandpa. He teaches his eager granddaughter how to catch speckled trout from the stream in springtime. In summer, they fish for catfish in the pond. Walleye is the treasure from the river when leaves begin to fall. Beneath the thick ice of the lake lurk the prize trout of winter waiting to be caught by hardy fishermen. The best day of all comes when Grandpa buys the young fisherman her own casting rod for her birthday. Over and over she practices casting until she can hit the practice tire two out of three times. Finally, the day of the big fishing trip arrives. After a whole day on the lake, only Grandpa is lucky. The next morning the young fisherman hurries to the dock alone, and soon she hooks the catch of a lifetime. Young readers will appreciate this story that celebrates the special bond between the older and younger generation, while brilliant watercolor illustrations capture the beauty of the natural world. 2001, Kids Can Press, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Sue Reichard
ISBN: 1550747207
The Days of Summer
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by William Low
The long days of summer are coming to an end. So, too, is the marriage of the grandparents of two young girls, Nora and Jo-Jo. Both girls are shocked and saddened by this unforeseen event. Grandma assures them that they will still see their grandfather frequently. She tells them that she and Grandpa were very unhappy together and that this was coming for a long time. Although the entire family is having difficulty dealing with this sensitive and emotional issue, a subsequent phone call from Grandpa helps Nora see the situation from a different perspective. Grandpa tells Nora that he has moved only a short distance down the road and although things will never be the same, sometimes change is for the better. Upon reflection, Nora realizes that she will still have both a loving grandmother and grandfather, and that she can learn to accept change. 2001, Harcourt, Ages 5 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Denise Daley
ISBN: 0152018409
The God of Grandma Forever
Margaret Hogeweg
Translated by Nancy Forest-Flier
"Maria has two grandmother." So begins this unusual family tale. Perhaps some of its special flavor comes from the fact that its original publication was in the Netherlands. Preparing to sit down and write this review, I found myself rereading snatches of it in order to finally grasp its strange essence. I also kept returning to the image of my grandfather's death at home when I was eleven. But I couldn't fit myself into the image Grandma Forever attaches to Maria of "sassy monkey." Told straight-Maria, at about ten years old, likes the idea of having her grandmother come live with her family, but not in "her" attic. Her families' attic has always been Maria's special, private play and "think" space. She and her friend, Jacob played pirate and other games there. It also was her special place to doze in an old hammock whilst sorting out the piles of thoughts in her head-a task that seems to need doing regularly and often. Maria visits her family's cemetery plots-maternal and paternal-and regularly carries out conversations with her interred grandparents. The book lets us know that there is a strained relationship between the parents; that theirs is a middle class family; that Maria's mother often dresses up with much lipstick and bangles for a movie night out with her girl friends; and that Maria is indeed a delightful "sassy monkey" very close to her devoted father. 2001 (orig. 1999), Front Street, Ages 12 and up, $14.95. Reviewer: Carolyn DCL Michaels
ISBN: 1-886910-69-3
The Gramma War
Kristin Butcher
Gramma's moving in and Annie's life is turning upside down. It would be easy for eleven-year-old Annie to blame all of her problems on Gramma, but deep down she knows that isn't the truth. Still, Annie's life has been in turmoil ever since her eighty-one year Gramma moved in. Now Annie has to share a room with her older sister and Annie's dear pet gerbils can't even be kept in the house. At the suggestion of a substitute teacher Annie begrudgingly attends a local genealogical meeting. To her surprise, she immediately discovers a newfound interest in tracing her family roots. When Gramma learns of Annie's project she willingly shares recollections of her past. Annie embraces Gramma's memories and the two of them develop a bond. This briefly formed bond is quickly shattered, however, when Gramma suddenly becomes very ill. The resulting turmoil creates much strife, but it also strengthens Annie's appreciation of her past and everyone in it, especially Gramma. 2001, Orca, Ages 8 to 12, $8.95. Reviewer: Denise Daley
ISBN: 1-55143-183-1
A Grand Celebration: Grandparents in Poetry
Edited by Carol G. Hittleman and Daniel R. Hittleman
Illustrated by Kay Life
For those who enjoy children's poetry, most of the names associated with this collection will be familiar (Lucille Clifton, Nikki Grimes, Lee Bennett Hopkins and Jack Prelutsky are just a few). All of the poems celebrate that special relationship kids have with grandparents. I fondly remember mine and was lucky enough to have them around until I was well into adulthood. From them, I learned many things and always felt comfortable. That theme comes through in so many of these poems. The picture of a wrinkled old adult with white hair or beard is quickly dispelled in the opening pages. These grandmothers are active, jeans-wearing and definitely involved in life. They also have time to listen, bake goodies and share stories. Grandpas are also shown as active and involved. In one poem entitled "Making Pies with Grandfather," a young boy is up and working at dawn helping his restaurant owning grandfather make six apple pies. In another, a Native American grandfather reminds his grandson of their past. How fortunate are those kids who have loving, sharing grandparents, and this book is perfect for grandparents to share with those grandchildren. 2002, Boyds Mills Press, $16.95. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-56397-901-2
Grand Fathers: Reminiscences, Poems, Recipes and Photos of the Keepers of Our Traditions
Edited by Nikki Giovanni
Grandfathers get short shrift in the literature of families. Matriarchs are usually represented as the family's strength and center. This sometimes literary, sometimes poetic, occasionally even culinary collection steps up to fill the void. Of course, poet Nikki Giovanni's name adds luster to the collection, but she is merely the compiler of essays and poems describing the contributors' memories of their grandfathers. The collection disproportionately represents African-American grandfathers (although a few other ethnicities appear) and, as such, successfully dispels the stereotype of the absent or neglectful black male. All of these men, many who survived slavery and other racial or economic hardship, are present in their families as the sources of wisdom and family history. We should be grateful that their descendants have chosen to share their sometimes painful stories with us. As Sterling Plumpp says, in her essay entitled "Poppa": "Grandfathers are the part of your being you fear, you want wrapped behind a dusty photograph somewhere...But grandfathers endure, challenge, overcome, succumb to tragedy, yet remain constant--call us to act, stand up take charge. They are ancestral almanacs detailing possibility for us." The message is universal, and so is the book, an excellent resource for class discussion on family heritage. 1999, Henry Holt and Company, $17.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Lois Rubin Gross
ISBN: 0805054847
Best Books:
Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Fourteenth Edition, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
Not Just for Children Any More, 2000; Children's Book Council; Unites States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2000; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Grandad's Prayers of the Earth
Douglas Wood
Illustrations by P.J. Lynch
Grandad and his grandson, who narrates this lovely, moving book, have a wonderfully close relationship. When the grandson asks questions, Grandad answers them, even the hard ones. One day the child asks Grandad about prayers. And Grandad tells him that all things on earth pray-trees, rocks, streams, animals, birds-everything. Sometimes the streams "pray with laughter, chuckling to their friends the rocks...who pray silently...The wind prays as it whispers and moans and sighs...It (seems as if it) is ...singing a hymn at the same time." People pray with words, Grandad says. They use prayers already written or their own words, he tells the boy, and "the words will always be right if they are real and true and come from the heart." And prayers don't always ask for something. These prayers are often their own answers. "...it is when we change ourselves... that the world is changed." This is a lot for the boy to absorb, and he doesn't really understand it until after Grandad's death. Listening to the eloquent silence of the woods, he can finally hear the trees praying, and as he joins in, "for the first time in a long time, the world seemed just right." This is a beautiful book that is truly spiritual without being an advocate of any one religion. I highly recommend this book. 1999, Candlewick, Ages 6 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 076360660X
Grandfather's Day
Ingrid Tomey
Illustrated by Robert McKay
Grandfather has moved into Raydeen's room consigning her to the hall storage space. His wife of 49 years has just died and he is silent, dishevelled, and obviously grieving. After an initial foray into cheering him up, Raydeen becomes angry when the old man rebuffs her efforts. Even a Grandfather's day can't lure him out of his grief. But slowly, Raydeen teases out of him the story of his wife, her grandmother, and discovers that they are similar characters. Finally, he is ready and shows up at a year-end school picnic. This quiet story speaks to the power of loving patience, of family coming to terms with the death of a grandmother, and of the joys of harmonica playing. Slow paced, it features pleasures such as garage sales, cozy school and neighborhood life, and loving family. Basic black and white pencil illustrations, one or two for each of six chapters, lighten the text of this pricey paperback and reflect the family dynamics with increasing warmth. 2001 (1992), Boyds Mills Press, Ages 7 to 10, $9.95. Reviewer Susan Hepler
ISBN: 1-56397-947-0
Grandma's Records
Eric Velasquez
Every summer, the boy in this story would go to live with his Grandma, since his parents worked and there was no one to watch him. During the summer, his Grandma, who was from Puerto Rico, would teach him about the music of Puerto Rico. There was one special song that would always remind Grandma about home, and she would close her eyes, place her hand over her heart, and think about Grandpa and Puerto Rico. One summer they go to the concert to hear a band from Puerto Rico. The band sings Grandma's special song and everyone in the audience closes their eyes and places their hands over the hearts. He learned that the song was special to many different people and that music can create memories that can last a lifetime. Grandma was able to instill a special love of music in her Grandson, while producing memories for him as well. The book includes the Spanish and English version of Grandma's special song. 2001, Walker Publishing Company, Ages 6 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Danielle Williams
ISBN: 0802787606
ISBN: 0802787614
Grandma Tells a Story
Lois G. Grambling
Illustrations by Fred Willingham
What grandchild would not want to hear the story of how much he or she was wanted? This time the story is told through the voice of a doting grandmother. The couple longed for a grandchild and what they feel as they await the birth of this wonderful gift is simply told. Although the illustrations are well-done, they tend to be dark and do not reflect the excitement and joy of an anticipated birth. 2001, Whispering Coyote/Charlesbridge, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Rita Karr
ISBN: 1-58089-057-1
Grandmother and I
Helen E. Buckley
Illustrations by Jan Ormerod
This African-American grandmother and granddaughter make a cozy pair when Grandmother holds her loved one on her lap. In times of trouble, when she suffers with a bad cold, or there is lightning outside, or the cat is missing, only Grandmother's lap will do. No one else's lap is quite the same and the welcoming lap is always accompanied by Grandmother humming a soft song while she rocks. Watercolor and charcoal illustrations depict warm family scenes and the quiet description of grandmother and the way she holds the child on her lap and rocks repeat like a refrain. This comfy story will invite reminiscences and discussion about the great things about grandmothers, and grandfathers too! Quite a short little book, perfect for the youngest listener. 2000 (orig. 1994), HarperCollins/HarperTrophy, Ages 3 to 8, $16.00, $15.93 and $5.95. Reviewer: Martha Shaw
ISBN: 0-688-12531-X
ISBN: 0-688-12532-8
ISBN: 0-688-17525-2
The Grandmother Doll
Alice L. Bartels
Illustrated by Dusan Petricic
Katy's day isn't going well. She is sick and can't go outside. Each time she goes into her room she is upset and slams the door...HARD! Then, when Katy starts complaining out loud, she hears a voice. The Grandmother Doll starts talking to her. So Katy and the Grandmother Doll use a lot of imagination to make the stay-at-home day more enjoyable. This book can teach a child how to control anger and how to use imagination to change a negative attitude into a positive one. 2001, Annick Press, Ages 3 to 6, $17.95 and $6.95. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson
ISBN: 1-55037-667-5
ISBN: 1-55037-666-7
Grandpa & Bo
Kevin Henkes
How cool would it be to spend the entire three-month summer with your grandfather at his country house next to a lake? Bo gets to experience just that, and all the fun stuff that comes with it. Bo and his Grandpa fish, walk in the corn, play ball, tell stories, listen to Grandpa's records, and give names to the birds, fish, and a very special tree that helps Grandpa and Bo give summer what it's always been missing. This story will bring back fond memories for adults who read it, and will help nurture memories in the children reading it. The pencil illustrations are nostalgic and timeless, and complement the story well. This is a great story for grandparents to share with their grandchildren. 1986, Greenwillow Books, Ages 6 to 10, $14.95. Reviewer: Carey Ahr
ISBN: 0-06-623837-4
Grandpa at the Beach
Rob Lewis
What can happen on a trip to the beach? Quite a bit! This easy reading chapter book about a bear family proves it when Mom, Dad, Finley and Grandpa have some interesting adventures while vacationing at a beach house. Grandpa and Finley explore a beach house and a cove by the sea and things don't go exactly as planned at the family picnic. Lewis has created a good story to show that things don't always work out as we might hope. 1997, Mondo Publishing, Ages 5 to 8, $4.50. Reviewer: Julie Eick Granchelli
ISBN: 1-57255-552-1
Grandpa's Corner Store
DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
In this age of super stores and conspicuous consumption, comes this gentle reminder that sometimes small and simple is the best. Grandpa's store sits at a busy corner of a large city. He has a steady stream of customers-children who pile in for candy, the firefighters who frequent the deli, Mr. Tutti who only buys yesterday's paper, and Mr. Lee who phones in his orders. Grandpa's granddaughter helps by sweeping the floor and stocking the shelves. Moving into the community is a giant supermarket with a grand opening planned. When the little girl hears Grandpa's fear that he will lose his customers, she swings into action. Having learned in school that a community is a "group of people who live and work together," she calls on his customers to rally in support. Soft watercolor illustrations give life to the loving text that aptly illustrates what can happen when neighbors work together. A map of the community on the endpapers adds to the warm, homey tone of the story. 2000, HarperCollins, Ages 6 to 9, $15.95. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 0688167160
ISBN: 0688167179
Gus and Grandpa and Show-and-Tell
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
Gus isn't very happy. He used to love show-and-tell, but now his second grade teacher has imposed themes for the students. He hardly ever has anything interesting and feels like every member of the class outshines him, especially Ryan Mason. When Gus visits Grandpa and tells of his predicament, that the next assignment is Colorado history, Grandpa starts telling stories about his grandparents. Then Gus gets a great idea and he and Grandpa become the stars of the next show-and-tell. The multicultural cast of students, a dilemma that is all too real for that age group, and a warm intergenerational story make for another winning combination. Kids will enjoy reading this book. 2000, Farrar Straus and Giroux, Ages 5 to 8, $13.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0374328196
Halmoni's Day
Edna Coe Bercaw
Pictures by Robert Hunt
A Korean grandmother visits her American granddaughter, Jennifer, just before Grandparents Day, when all grandparents will receive awards in her class. Jennifer is worried that the Korean-speaking Halmoni will not fit in with the other modern grandparents of her classmates. She is also worried about not being able to communicate with her grandmother. Although Halmoni does not speak English and dresses in silk gowns, she develops a special relationship with Jennifer through gestures, facial expressions and translations by Jennifer's mother. The poignant text is given luster through full-page pictures painted with oil on paper. This touching story will resonate with many readers in this country of immigrants. 2000, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Putnam, $15.99. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0803724446
ISBN: 0803724454
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Hannah and the Whistling Teakettle
Mindy Warshaw Skolsky
Pictures by Diane Palmisciano
Hannah is off to visit her grandparents. From the bus terminal on the west side of the Hudson River, she will take a bus to the terminal at the other side of the George Washington Bridge, where Grandpa will meet her and take her to Grandma's candy store in the Bronx. But before she goes, she and her mother go shopping for a gift that Hannah will give to her grandmother. This is not an easy task. Grandma has never accepted a gift, because she won't take anything she thinks is "not a necessity." But finally Hannah spots a perfect present. The little bird on the spout of a shiny new kettle will whistle when the water boils. The old kettle doesn't have a whistle at all, and it's "so old it has bumps," says Hannah. But "not a necessity" says Grandma. Hannah really wants Grandma to have a new kettle. Hannah is a resourceful little girl, and because she won't let Grandma's "no" keep the new kettle off the stove, its whistle plays an important role in foiling a robbery. This is a charming look at a loving family, with a terrific portrait of Grandma and Grandpa and their relationship with Hannah. 2000, DK, Ages 6 to 9, $15.95. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0789426021
Having Fun in Grandma's Day
Valerie Weber and Valerie Jane McNamara
How did your grandmother enjoy herself when she was a child? What did she do for fun? What about your mother? How do you tell your children about the "olden times?" Or maybe you were the child growing up in the 1940s who wants to tell your children or grandchildren what life was like before Nintendo--even before most people had television! Either way this book offers one good way to begin. The "In Grandma's day" series takes the reader right into a 1940s childhood. It's long gone, but will not be forgotten as long as writers like McNamara give us books like this. Each double-page spread shows a different way she and her sister and friends had fun. The style of writing seems stilted at first, but it's really just a little old-fashioned. Most of the photographs come from a family album. They show us that times were different, but that children still went swimming or skating, and to the movies, played with friends and siblings, and celebrated birthdays and Christmas. They had rich fantasy lives, as both boys and girls pretended to be heroes, cowboys (and/or their horses), princesses and warriors. Books and radio provided the narrative; the listener's imagination provided the pictures, and when the programs were translated to TV or movies the actual picture was never quite as good as the imaginary one had been. The best celebration of all, McNamara tells us, was the one at the end of the War World War II. This picture seems to be so perfect--but it isn't exactly. Look closely. There's not one Asian or African-American face in any of the pictures. So for many modern children the book will be unrealistic. Be a little choosy who gets it. But on the whole it's enjoyable. 1999, Carolrhoda, Ages 5 to 12, $21.27. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 1-57505-325-X
Home Life in Grandma's Day
Valerie Weber and Geneva Lewis
Geneva Lewis, an African American mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, tells her story of life in segregated DeQuincy, Louisiana from her birth in 1934 through the 1940s. The text is a rich personal narrative detailing daily activities, perceptions and attitudes. Making and laundering clothes, preservation and preparation of food, housekeeping chores assumed by young and old, family entertainment, church, school and community life are topics explored. The difficult problem of passing on the knowledge and appreciation of past social history is uniquely achieved in this book, part of a well-conceived series. Glossary, suggested further reading, and index are included. 1999, Carolrhoda/Lerner/Discovery Books, Ages 7 to 12, $21.27. Reviewer: Margarette Reid
ISBN: 1-57505-329-2
Icy Watermelon/Sandía Fría
Mary Sue Galindo
Illustrations by Pauline Rodriguez Howard
This charming family story oozes love, laughter and good memories on every page. Grandma has brought a surprise for her grandchildren. Through a riddle, the children discover that the surprise is fresh watermelon. As they share the juicy slices, Grandpa recounts how he and his father used to sell watermelon from the back of a truck in the neighborhood. One day, as they sold a melon to a young girl, her frisky dog jumped into the truck. A watermelon hit the ground and split open. Now she had to pay for two melons. But the event sparked a romance between the two young people, which eventually led to marriage. The soft, colored pencil illustrations give the reader an intimate look at a loving, happy, Hispanic family. The text is given in both Spanish and English and is cleverly separated by spot art showing the watermelons in the garden, then in slices and then as bites are taken, until all that is left are the rinds and seeds. This is a good example of how a simple anecdote from family history can lead to a wonderful story. 2001, Piñata Books, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Marianne Mitchell
ISBN: 1558853065
Best Books:
Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, 2000; Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP); United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Jason Rat-a-Tat
Colby Rodowsky
Illustrated by Beth Peck
In this short read, perfect for middle elementary readers, nine-year-old Jason is hauled from games to practices to games for his baseball-playing older brother and his soccer-playing younger sister. But Jason is not interested in playing sports; he's interested in drumming. When his observant grandfather gives him a snare drum as an unpresent, Jason thinks he's set until he realizes he doesn't know how to get the rhythm in his head out of his hands-until Grandpa bestows the second part of his gift. Rodowsky gets the rushing-around family just right and the jock details of a sports-minded family into which a sports-immune person is thrust. It's a spare story, in the manner of her award-winning Not My Dog (FSG, 2000), and one aimed at the same audience. Beth Peck's illustrations are gentle in the manner of Catherine Stock or Marcia Sewell and seem to suit this quiet but spirited boy. 2002, Farrar Straus Giroux, Ages 7 to 10, $15.00. Reviewer: Susan Hepler.
ISBN: 0-374-33671-7
Kids and Grandparents: An Activity Book
Ann Love and Jane Drake
Illustrations by Heather Collins
As explained in the brief introduction, this large-format book is filled with activities that kids can do with their grandparents. It encourage them to "Have fun with your grandparents and find out lots about yourself and your family at the same time." The activities are grouped-making memories, fun and games, crafts and family food. Although the text is aimed at school-age kids, many of the activities could be adapted for use with younger children and they seem nicely varied as to amount of physical energy required, ranging from quiet, sedentary card games, to more active cooking and travel-related projects. 1999, Kids Can Press, Ages 4 up, $17.95 and $10.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
Liliana's Grandmothers
Leyla Torres
Lucky Liliana, she has two grandmothers to spend time with. Grandma Mima lives nearby and Liliana often visits to spend time quilting, working on crossword puzzles, enjoying seasonal activities and listening to Grandma read stories after school. Grandma Gabina lives in another country where it is warm throughout the year. Liliana visits her for several weeks at a time and enjoys the different food, Grandma Gabina's gardens and her wonderful stories. Throughout the warmhearted tale the author/illustrator contrasts and compares the similarities and differences of the two grandmothers and their lifestyles, but one thread is consistent--the intergenerational love between granddaughter and grandmother. The soft watercolors depict cozy scenes in the colder climate and do the same for the tropical setting where Grandma Gabina lives. A lovely book, one grandmothers may wish to share with their granddaughters. 1998, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0374351058
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, 1998; Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP); United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards 1999 United States
State Reading Lists:
Georgia Children's Literature Awards, 2000; Georgia
Little Bear's Grandpa
Nigel Gray
Illustrations by Vanessa Cabban
Little Bear shares a special relationship with Grandpa. Every Friday they spend the day together, and every Friday they climb into Grandpa's Tree House to look out at the world and tell stories. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations show the love shared by Little Bear and Grandpa and the happiness they feel in one another's presence3/4Little Bear arrives at Grandpa's house with a daisy in his hand, and Grandpa has a protective paw around Little Bear as they look over the side of the Tree House. One Friday, Little Bear doesn't go to Grandpa's; he visits him in the hospital. Too tired to tell a story, Grandpa asks Little Bear to tell him a story instead. When he is finished, Little Bear asks if Grandpa liked the story, "But Grandpa didn't reply." Little Bear's mother tells him that Grandpa has "fallen into the very deepest of deep, deep sleeps" and that he won't wake up. And here is where readers must decide whether or not to present this book to young children. Most psychologists agree that using the euphemism of "sleep" rather than the term "death" is confusing to a young child. Those who decide to use this with the early childhood audience for whom it is intended must also determine what steps to take to prevent their listeners from becoming afraid to go to sleep at night. Still, this is a heartwarming look at why one little bear decides, "When I'm a grandpa, I want to be as nice a grandpa as my grandpa was to me." 2001, Tiger Tales/ME Media, Ages 3 to 6, $14.95. Reviewer: Cherri Jones
ISBN: 1-58925-008-7
Lost! A Story in String
Paul Fleischman
Illustrations by C. B. Mordan
Is storytelling a dying art? Many adults feel uncomfortable telling stories in today's high-tech world, afraid that children will not be entertained. This is just the book to fight such beliefs. When a storm causes a power failure, the young girl in the story complains that she'll just die without her computer, VCR, television, and radio. Her grandmother convinces her that there are other ways to be entertained, and launches into the story of a child who gets lost in a snowstorm. As she tells the story, she uses a loop of yarn to create string figures that illustrate the story. The little girl is entranced with the story and the string figures, and immediately begins to make up her own story. At the end of the grandmother's story, there are directions for making each of the string figures and an explanation that storytelling is an art anyone can practice. Young readers are encouraged to learn the story and adapt it to their own telling-style, then practice the string figures to accompany it. Information is provided for those interested in The International String Figure Association and books on string art. 2000, Henry Holt and Company, Ages 6 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Carol Lynch
ISBN: 0-8050-5583-5
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Lots Of Grandparents
Shelley Rotner and Sheila Kelly
Photographs by Shelley Rotner.
Whether called abuelos and abuelas, Nanas and Papas, or by other names, and whether young or old, grandparents are a cause for celebration. The simple text is complemented by a montage of real-life photographs by Shelley Rotner that depict grandparents in all shapes, sizes and ethnic backgrounds. "Best of all," of course, "grandparents love their grandchildren." In an era when extended families often live far apart, the role of grandparents nevertheless remains important, whether they are passing on family histories or giving out presents. Younger readers particularly are likely to relate to the photographs of grandparents and grandchildren interacting at various levels together. The authors sensitively handle--but don't shy away from--the impact of advanced age and disability on grandparents' physical appearances and activity levels. 2001, Millbrook Press, $23.90. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson
ISBN: 0761323139
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Love As Strong As Ginger
Lenore Look
Illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson
Katie wants to go with her grandmother (Gnin Gnin) to the cannery where she spends her days cracking and picking crabmeat. Gnin Gnin earns enough money for bus fare, dinner and a little to put aside for Katie's education. While she is unable to get a better job, she knows that in America opportunity beckons to the succeeding generations. When Katie gets a chance to spend a day with Gnin Gnin at the cannery, it is a revelation. The work is back-breakingly hard, the conditions tough, the pay meager, and Katie really isn't strong enough to do the job. But Gnin Gnin has a secret--while she works, her mind is elsewhere imagining that she is a movie star. At days end, both Katie and her exhausted grandmother head home. They enjoy the crab given them by the manager and Katie has a better understanding of how hard Gnin Gnin is working for her future. The soft pastels by Johnson capture small but poignant moments in the lives of Katie and her grandmother. 1999, Atheneum, $15.00. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0689812485
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist: Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1999; American Library Association; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2000; International Reading Association; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2000; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Meet My Grandmother: She's A Deep-Sea Explorer
Lisa Tucker McElroy (with help from Russell T. Mead)
Photographs by Joel Benjamin and Mark Gardner
It is a fun classroom project when students get to think about the importance of their grandparents and their contributions to our society. Lisa Tucker McElroy has created a useful tool for such a project or classroom theme. Along with other books of the "Grandmothers at work" series, Ms. McElroy's book takes a look at a grandmother in a not-so-usual occupation. Follow along as Russell Mead introduces us to his grandmother, Sylvia Earle, a deep-sea explorer. With interesting text and numerous photographs, we see the important work Ms. Earle does and how proud Russell is of his grandmother. Ms. McElroy effectively conveys young Russell's words and thoughts, giving great detail regarding his grandmother's occupation. While the information in the book only scratches the surface of deep-sea exploration, it will definitely spark the interest of a child, and encourage them to find out more about this amazing occupation. 2000, The Millbrook Press, $22.90. Ages 3 to 10. Reviewer: John D. Orsborn
ISBN: 0761317201
Mouse Cleaning
Rose-Marie Provencher
Illustrated by Bernadette Pons
Grandma Twilly is in a tizzy. Her house is a mess and it's past time for spring-cleaning. All she wants to do is sit in her chair and rock. In a jaunty refrain kids will love to repeat, Grandma leaps on a table and screeches, "There's a mouse in my house! There's a mouse in my house! And one thing I won't have is a mouse in my house!" Grandma goes to work on the mess, nicely illustrated and all too familiar, but each day a new mess appears along with the smiling mouse, that is hiding where she can't see (but kids can). Finally finished, Grandma realizes that her whole house is clean, thanks to the mouse. That night she leaves a snack for the mouse and rejoices the next morning that it is all gone. But Grandma doesn't see the mouse peeking out of her apron pocket. The detail of the colorful illustrations will keep kids busy, especially searching for the mouse. 2001, Henry Holt, Ages 2 to 5, $15.95. Reviewer: Elaine Wick
ISBN: 0805062408
Music from the Sky
Denise Gillard
Pictures by Stephen Taylor
Grampa says that he is going to make a flute, but his granddaughter has her doubts, after all, she has seen and tried to play the shinny metal flutes in school. They head out to the marsh to find the perfect branch. Back at the house Grampa proceeds to carve a flute. She tries it out and lo and behold it makes a pretty sound-just like the music she hears in her head when she lies in the grass and watches the clouds float across the sky. A warm intergenerational story set in a Canadian African American community accompanied by Stephen Taylor's realistic paintings. 2001, Groundwood, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-88899-311-0
"My Grandmother Is A Singing Yaya"
Karen Scourby D'Arc
Illustrated by Diane Palmisciano
Lulu's exuberant Greek grandmother loves life and she expresses this joy with singing. Lulu appreciates her singing when they are alone, but she is sometimes embarrassed when Yaya breaks into song when they are out shopping or riding a bus. Lulu knows she will have a good time with Yaya at the school Grandparents' Day, but she is concerned about the possibility of Yaya singing at inappropriate times. She manages to keep Yaya distracted during the games and races but when the picnic begins, Yaya cannot contain herself any longer and begins singing about her love for Lulu. Lulu does not have time to be embarrassed, however. The school principal announces that the school is celebrating its fiftieth birthday and asks Yaya to lead the singing of "Happy Birthday." Everyone is delighted. The colorful pictures capture the joy of this special relationship between a cautious granddaughter and a loving grandmother. Readers will be tempted to join in the singing. 2001, Orchard/Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer
ISBN: 0-439-29309-X
My Grandmother Is A Singing "Yaya"
Karen Scourby D'Arc
Illustrated by Diane Palmisciano
Although Lulu loves to hear her Greek grandmother sing at home, she is embarrassed when her yaya bursts into song in public places. Apprehensive at the Grandparents Day picnic, she manages to keep Yaya quiet until they finish their Greek delicacies; but then Yaya sings aloud. To Lulu's surprise, everyone enjoys the joyous outpourings of the irrepressible songbird, and Lulu finally accepts it. Cartoon-y, pastel colored oil drawings full of comic verve are appropriate for the good-natured fun and for the actions of the rest of the cast of characters. The love of Lulu and her grandmother shines through it all. 2001, Orchard Books/Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-439-29309-X
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
My Two Grandmothers
Effin Older
Illustrated by Nancy Hayashi
This book will particularly appeal to inter-married and Jews-by-choice families as it centers around Lily's love for both her grandmothers and their different holidays and customs. Grammy Lane lives on a farm, lets Lily drive her tractor, prepares a huge feast and sings carols around the piano at Christmas time. These are Lane traditions, she is told. Bubbe Silver lives in an apartment, snowbirds to Florida in the winter, loves extra-hot horseradish on her gefilte fish, and makes the best latkes (potato pancakes) in the world. These are Silver traditions, Lily learns. And she loves them all! She's only sorry that her two grandmothers can't share in each other's celebrations as she does. So she plans a way for that to happen, for a new tradition to appear. This is a charming book, inclusive and non-judgmental, with adorable watercolor and pencil drawings, and it should be a welcome choice for those families who include both heritages in their December holidays, as well as those who just want an easy read about the holiday of Hanukkah. 2000, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0152007857
My Two Grandmothers
Effin Older
Illustrated by Nancy Hayashi
Lily has two very different grandmothers. One lives on a farm, one in the city. One hates winter, the other loves to go snowshoeing. One celebrates Hanukkah, the other, Christmas. Lily loves all of the traditions she shares with her grandmothers, and wishes she could share all of the special times with both grandmothers. Finally, she hatches the perfect plan--she invites them both over for a new holiday, the "First Traditional Grandmothers' Party." The pencil and watercolor illustrations invite us into Lily's world. 2000, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0152007857
State Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Reading List, 2003; Arkansas
Charlotte Book Awards, 2002; New York
No Kiss for Grandpa
Harriet Ziefert
Illustrations by Emilie Boon
Poor Grandpa! He is visiting his grandson Louie. But Louie won't give him a kiss. Grandpa wants to play ball. "No ball," says Louie. Louie starts a marching band. Grandpa follows. Then Grandpa suggests a sand castle. "No sand castle," is Louie's predictable reply. Instead, the little boy makes a cake. But he refuses Grandpa's offer of seaweed for decoration. When Grandpa praises the plum cake, Louie informs him the flavor is blueberry. At home, Louie agrees to let Grandpa read books. And more books. Grandpa's reward? "One kiss." Parents with kids in the "no" stage are bound to see their little ones in this heartwarming story. Kids may even see themselves and laugh. 2001, Orchard Books, Ages 2 to 5, $12.95. Reviewer: Julie Steinberg
ISBN: 0531303284
Oma's Quilt
Paulette Bourgeois
Illustrations by Stéphane Jorisch
When Emily's grandmother moves to a retirement home, she obviously doesn't like it. Emily and her mother, meanwhile, go through her Oma's things, finding many happy memories, including a quilt made by Oma. Emily decides they should make a new quilt for Oma, using pieces of fabric that will bring back those memories. When they bring it to Oma, she can tell a story about each piece. Emily is glad that it seems to make Oma feel a bit more at home. As our population ages, Oma's story becomes a commonplace piece of life today. Jorisch keeps her sketchy colored drawings, portraits and settings, not overly specific, making it easily accepted by many readers. There is a brightness, an emphasis on the positive rather than the dark side of the story. Perhaps Emily's idea could be one for other readers to emulate. 2001, Kids Can Press, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 1550747770
One Dark Night
Hazel Hutchins
Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung
Young Jonathan watches a thunderstorm approach one night. Despite his grandparents' warning, a stray cat darts into the house. She brings a kitten inside, but runs out again before they can stop her. As the storm breaks, Jonathan helps her bring in two more kittens to safety. They cuddle close in the padded box he has provided on his bed, and he sleeps, content that all are safe. The small adventure is made more significant by Hartung's skillful depiction of the blue-blackness of the summer storm, the adorable felines and the young boy's concern. The double-page scenes, oil paint glazes manipulated on sealed paper, are illuminated by the glow of distant lightning, which models the actors in the drama of human-animal bonding. 2001, Viking/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, $15.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0670892467
Jonathan's overnight visit with his grandparents is interrupted with a flash of lightning that is followed by a loud clap of thunder. When he looks out his bedroom window, he sees a stray cat holding something in her mouth. He runs to the front door as his grandparents appear on the stairs. The cat deposits something on the floor and rushes out again. They discover a newborn kitten. Jonathan places the kitten in his bathrobe as Grandfather appears with a box for a comfortable bed. The mother cat returns two more times and then settles into the box with her three kittens. The grandeur of the thunderstorm and the wonder of the tiny kittens are well-expressed in the realistic illustrations. Jonathan's freckled face stands out in the dark night. The kittens are soft as whispers, gray as dawn; soft as stuffing, white as snow; wet as water, and black as night. A loving, child-grandparents story. 2001, Viking, $15.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer
ISBN: 0670892467
One More Wednesday
Malika Doray
Translated by Suzanne Freeman
In the simplest language, Doray has a young narrator recall the rich experiences he had with his grandmother on Wednesdays until, one Wednesday, she is taken to the hospital and dies. In an attempt to explain this incomprehensible event to the puzzled child, Mama notes that different people believe different things about the spirit after death, but "Nobody knows for sure." All we can know is that "she'll always be here because you love her so much." Despite some tears, the narrator is warmed by happy memories. Uneven black outlines create ambiguous characters, figures with human bodies but strange ears, and the barest of props, allowing the reader to fill in relevant personal details. There are touches of color to add appeal. But the quality of universality of sentiment is pervasive, leaving open space for discussion and reassurance about this difficult subject.
BIBLIO: 2001, Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-06-029589-9
The Raft
Jim LaMarche
Nicky is far from enthusiastic about being dropped off in the north woods to spend the summer with his grandmother. But grandma is an artist and free thinker. She gives the quiet boy lots of space and maybe even a very special gift. When an old raft bumps up next to Nicky along the river one day, he begins to explore its possibilities. Along the way, he finds a love for the river, for nature and art, and for his grandmother, too. All summers should pass this way. LaMarche's story and lovely pictures are based on his own childhood experiences. He tells and illustrates his tale gently and with much affection. This is a keeper. 2000, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr
ISBN: 0-688-13977-9
A Sailor Returns
Theodore Taylor
An elegiac look at family and forgiveness, this middle grade novel has an unusual underpinning--the 19th century British seamen who performed rescues in rowboats. The title character is a man long thought dead but who appears out of nowhere to meet and make his peace with a grown daughter he never knew. His grandson, Evan, is disabled and a dreamer, a kid who cannot connect with his own father and desperately needs another male figure. Evan and his grandfather bond immediately and weather figurative storms to make their short visit worthwhile. Although the grandfather winds up bringing his daughter's family closer, the story isn't sappy or predictable. And the ending is more hopeful than happy, which reflects real-life family discord. 2001, The Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Donna Freedman
ISBN: 0-439-24879-5
Best Books:
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Fall 2001; Book Sense 76; United States
School in Grandma's Day
Valerie Weber and Gloria Jenkins
School during the 1940s was quite different from school today. Gloria Jenkins, a real grandmother, shares her memories of what it was like in school during that period in the Midwest section of the United States. Her experiences covered both public and catholic elementary school education. Children reading this will probably snicker at the use of a pen that sucks up ink from a jar and the honor associated with clapping dusty erasers. The book gives a good capsulated view of the social life and customs at that time. An activity is included that allows children to take a look at what has changed since grandmother's time and what has remained the same. This is part of the "In Grandma's Day" series. It would be nice if there were additional books in the series depicting schooling of grandmother from other cultures. 1999, Carolrhoda Books, Ages 5 to 10, $21.27. Reviewer: Leila Toledo
ISBN: 1-57505-327-6
Shopping In Grandma's Day
Valerie Weber and Beverly Crawford
Kids will say, "Boy, shopping has sure changed since Grandma was a little girl. There were no supermarkets, no carriage to put your food in, and milk was delivered to the house every day. Cool!" In the 1940s, Beverly Crawford worked with her parents in the family business, a grocery store. Through this experience, the family became a cohesive unit that worked together providing many of the family members a livelihood. Through this book, children can compare shopping today with shopping in the time of their grandmother. It will also give children an opportunity to see how families worked together as a family and how changes have occurred in our shopping habits. This is part of the "In Grandma's Day" series. It would have been nice if this series had also included books about shopping by grandmothers in Chinatown, Harlem and on Indian reservations. 1999, Carolrhoda Books, Ages 5 to 10, $21.27. Reviewer: Leila Toledo
ISBN: 1-57505-324-1
The Stars in My Geddoh's SkyClaire Sidhom Matze
Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth
Alex greets his grandfather from the Middle East with delight and love when he arrives in America on "a roaring bird...screeching across the sky." His Geddoh, pronounced with either hard or soft "g" according to the glossary, brings exotic treasures in his trunks and a warm feeling towards Alex. During his trip they share good times and close experiences so that Alex wishes the relationship didn't have to be interrupted by Geddoh's return to his country. But the canopy of stars, especially one constellation, will be their continuing connection, they agree, as well as letters they'll exchange, "a thread of love across the ocean." The soft illustrations contribute to the warm and fuzzy feel of the book, but Alex seems to have enough command of English to say "airplane" instead of the "roaring bird" as quoted above, and I wish the author had told us whether they'd met before ("Should I hug him? Will he know me?") If not, their seamless togetherness without any breaking-in period is a bit idealized, even used as a pleasant vehicle for introducing the Arab culture to young children. 2002 (orig. 1999), Whitman, Ages 4 to 8, $6.95. Reviewer: Judy Chernak.
ISBN: 0-8075-7610-7
That's What Grandparents Are For
Arlene Uslander
Illustrations by Freddie Levin
The special bond between grandparents and grandchildren is celebrated as activities shared by the different generations are shown. The rhyming text begins with the joy of the grandchild's birth. It then features memories of shared times together. These include a trip to the zoo, planting a garden, going to the circus, fishing from a pier, a school visit, flying a kite, building a sand castle, the birth of a baby brother, creating a snowman, and going camping. The softly colored illustrations feature different sets of grandparents and children, depicting both grandmothers and grandfathers and including people from a variety of cultures. A comfortable book for intergenerational sharing. 2002, Peel Productions, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer
ISBN: 0939217600
Traveling in Grandma's Day
Valerie Weber and Patti Baker
Part of the "In Grandma's Day" series, this easy-reader gives kids an idea of how hard it was to get around in olden days. Baker, the "grandma" of the title, uses historic photos, many of them her own, to describe 1940s-era travel by steamship, train, car and plane. It's bound to be fascinating reading for kids who are accustomed to superhighways and super-fast jets. Baker knows the details kids like, such as the fact that her family had to go to the bathroom in the woods along the Alaska-Canada Highway. 1999, Carolrhoda Books, Ages 7 to 10, $21.27. Reviewer: Donna Freedman
ISBN: 1-57505-326-8
Weekend With Grandmother
Wolfram Hänel
Illustrated by Christa Unzner
Translated by Martina Rasdeuschek-Simmons
Tony's parents never take him to visit his "strange" grandmother, until one day she swoops down in her white convertible sports car to whisk him away for a weekend of fun. And fun it is: Grandmother takes Tony on an elegant picnic with real china dishes and silverware, ingeniously repairs her own car (a broken fan belt) with a pair of nylon stockings, wakes him up in the middle of the night to see the stars, and indulges in a long lazy day of sand-castle building. "What's the rush?" Grandmother asks Tony. "We have all the time in the world?" When Tony and Grandmother return home again, as fast friends, Tony's parents are more willing to accept her benign eccentricities. It's satisfying to see simple pleasures celebrated here and touching when Grandmother stops her car in honking traffic to help an old man cross the street: "Don't be embarrassed. Just imagine if you were that old man." But the central joke that Grandmother and Tony share--telling the manager who has snubbed them in a fancy restaurant that they could buy the place and put him out of job--falls flat. Tony is appealingly depicted in the art, and the Swiss townscapes have (for American readers) a foreign charm, but Grandmother's large, grinning red mouth and broad gestures give her an uncanny resemblance to Jack Lemmon in drag in Some Like It Hot. 2002, North-South Books, $13.95. Ages 7 to 9.Reviewer: Claudia Mills
ISBN: 0735816301
ISBN: 073581631X
What Grandmas Do Best/What Grandpas Do Best
Laura Numeroff
Illustrations by Lynn Munsinger
The list of what grandmas do best begins on one side of the book; what grandpas do best starts from the other side upside down, and they meet in the middle. The activities, ranging from playing and picnicking to napping, dancing, and singing lullabies, are simply stated and are the same for both. It is in the pictures of various anthropomorphic grandparents that the humor and the differences shine. And of course, what they all do best of all is "give you lots and lots of love." Munsinger has elephants and pigs among the represented males, and frogs and mice among the females. All are depicted with colored drawings of the loving pairs in the minimum settings. The contrasts in the same activities include Grandma's finger painting with Grandpa's easel and canvas; her neat sand castle with his more casual effort. Along with smiles, there's food for discussion in the differences. 2000, Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 6, $14.00. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0689805527
What Grandmas Do Best
Laura Numeroff
Illustrations by Lynn Munsinger
The original book was a list of what grandmas do best that began on one side of the book, while what grandpas do best started from the other side upside down, and they met in the middle. It has now has been reproduced as two separate smaller books--What Grandmas Do Best and What Grandpas Do Best. The activities, ranging from playing and picnicking to napping, dancing and singing lullabies, are simply stated and are the same for both. It is in the pictures of various anthropomorphic grandparents that the humor and the differences shine. And of course, what they all do best of all is "give you lots and lots of love." Munsinger has elephants and pigs among the represented males, and frogs and mice among the females. All are depicted with colored drawings of the loving pairs in the minimum settings. The same activities are contrasted, including Grandma's finger painting with Grandpa's easel and canvas; her neat sand castle with his more casual effort. Along with smiles, there is food for discussion in the differences. 2001, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $14.00. Ages 3 to 6. Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0689847009
What Grandpas Do Best
Laura Numeroff
Illustrations by Lynn Munsinger
The original book was a list of what grandmas do best that began on one side of the book, while what grandpas do best started from the other side upside down, and they met in the middle. It has now has been reproduced as two separate smaller books--What Grandmas Do Best and What Grandpas Do Best. The activities, ranging from playing and picnicking to napping, dancing and singing lullabies, are simply stated and are the same for both. It is in the pictures of various anthropomorphic grandparents that the humor and the differences shine. And of course, what they all do best of all is "give you lots and lots of love." Munsinger has elephants and pigs among the represented males, and frogs and mice among the females. All are depicted with colored drawings of the loving pairs in the minimum settings. The same activities are contrasted, including Grandma's finger painting with Grandpa's easel and canvas; her neat sand castle with his more casual effort. Along with smiles, there is food for discussion in the differences. 2001, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $14.00. Ages 3 to 6. Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0689847017
Agatha Featherstone
Illustrated by Nicole Blau
I think pretty much every parent out there has been asked over and over again by their young children, "Whatcha Doing?" Well, the little boy in this book is no exception. From the very first "whatcha doing?" that he directs at the silver haired woman planting potatoes to the very last, when he asks his kind and patient grandfather washing his hands, he flits from person to person asking the same thing over and over again. It is always assumed that children are just sponges, trying to understand every little thing going on around them and that this is where these continual questions stem from. Their inquiries are often annoying yet we patiently try to answer as best we can. But as this little boy makes his way from person to person, we also begin to see another pattern evolve. Everyone is so busy around him, doing his or her thing, it is almost as if no one notices him, until he pipes up "whatcha doing?" A few ask if he'd like to help them, but most don't, as they just continue about their business once they've answered his question. It isn't until he asks his grandfather that we see what the little boy wanted all along-attention. His grandfather kindly offers to read him a book once he finishes washing his hands, and this book ends with them sitting down together to do just that. An adorable book that is whimsically illustrated, young children will enjoy this story. It will remind them of the many, many times that they, too, have asked that very same question. Perhaps it will be the perfect book to sit down and read with your young children when they ask you "Whatcha Doing?" 2000, Azro Press, Ages 3 to 6, $19.95. Reviewer: Emily Cook.
ISBN: 1-929115-04-0
When Papa Snores
Melinda Long
Pictures by Holly Meade
Oh, the things that happen when her grandmother and grandfather snore! Our narrator makes a cumulative list for each, from rattling shaking bedside lamps and clink-clanking blinds to bouncing manhole covers in the street. And the variety of snoring noises ranges from "honnkk/shooooo honnkk shoooo" and "garrum...garrum" to "snooga snooga" and "scuraffa taffa taf." Who snores louder? She doesn't care; it's music to her tired ears; she feels safe and sleepy knowing her grandparents are there. Meade has chosen to visualize the story with flat cartoon-like characters in simplified settings that allow for arabesques to indicate the paths of the snores along with printed sound effects for the accompanying flapping drawer pulls, drying dishes, dropping leaves, etc. and the snores themselves. The exaggerated portrayal is funny, but all too close to the real assault of sound. 2000, Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Zero Grandparents
Michelle Edwards
Grandparents Day might be fun for most, but Calliope James faced it with dread. She had no grandparents to bring. What kind of day would it be for her? Her best friends offered to share theirs with her, and her mother offered to come to school, but nothing would make her feel good about being odd and deprived. This was until she came up with the weirdest idea. And it worked. Experience the turnaround for this appealing kid, and enjoy the author-illustrator's droll black-and-white pictures in this multi-cultural story that makes lemonade out of lemons. 2001, Harcourt, $14.00. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0152020837
Zero Grandparents
Michelle Edwards
Calliope Turnipseed James loves school, especially math, but she is dreading class now that her teacher has announced the upcoming Grandparents Day. You see, Calliope doesn't have any living grandparents. Everyone else will be bringing one, and she doesn't want to borrow one of her friends' grandparents. While sulking at home, she looks through a family album and realizes how much she resembles her maternal grandmother, Flory Sophia Turnipseed. She brings some special things to class and explains that even though she has zero grandparents, Flory Sophia will always be a part of who she is. It is a sweet story without being overly saccharine, with a true-to-life understanding of kids' desire to fit in. This early chapter book is liberally illustrated with pen and ink drawings. Book two in the "Jackson Friends" series. 2001, Harcourt, $14.00. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0152020837
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
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Updated 8/29/02
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