Grandpa Green

Smith, Lane. 2011. Grandpa Green. New York: Roaring Book Press.  ISBN 9781596436077 (Photo obtained from www.lanesmithbooks.com)

   Plot Summary

Grandpa Green is a story in which readers travel through a vast garden with a boy, who is telling the story of his great-grandpa, Grandpa Green.  Grandpa Green grew up on a farm, went to war and later met his wife.  He now has children, grandchildren and a great grandchild, the narrator.  Although Grandpa Green has began to forget a lot, his beautiful garden, complete with shaped shrubbery which serves as a “walk down memory lane,” retells his story. 

Analysis

Turning page by page, the text in Grandpa Green is simplistic, often times only a sentence fragment appearing on two page spread.  The words are not extremely advanced; however, they are beyond a beginner’s level.  The theme behind the story focuses on Grandpa Green’s journey through life and loss of memory which may be beyond a younger reader’s ability to comprehend and appreciate the full value. The more superficial aspects (such as returning tangible items that Grandpa Green has misplaced) of the story will keep younger readers engaged. 

Beyond the touching storyline, the illustrations are a pivotal component of Grandpa Green.  Utilizing numerous shades of green, Smith manipulates the colors with shading and dimension which creates monumental images that jump off the page.  The illustrations solidify visual literacy, allowing the simplistic story to stand alone, without the text, transcending into a message much greater and engaging. 

While the complete merits of the story may be lost on younger readers (or a teachable moment about aging), Grandpa Green imparts the importance of family, love and loss in a creative, softened light.

Review Excerpts

HORN BOOK: “The art itself is fresh and imaginative, using line, shadow and color in exciting ways, Digital and other paints and inks play well with each other and the negative spaces between topiary and trees is rich.”

BOOKLIST: ““Sketched with a finely lined fairy-tale wispiness and dominated by verdant green, the illustrations are not just creative but poignant.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “"Visually intriguing and emotionally resonant, this is a book to pore over and talk about. With each subsequent reading, it offers new layers of meaning and visual connections."

Awards, Mentions and/or Honors

Caldecott Honor Award, 2012

Original Art Silver Medal Winner, Society of Illustrators, 2011

Enrichment Activities

Grandpa Green Activity packs: http://www.suzyred.com/pbks2012_Grandpa_Green.html

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