Grandpa Green. By Lane Smith (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I am amazed Smith condenses the joys and losses of life into such a short, accessible book. I think this story is a great way for young people (all people) to contextualize the lives of those who have gone before, especially those who, for whatever reason, may not be able to tell their own story. The topiary "scrapbook" is a clever way to show the great-grandfather's timeline while enriching the sparse prose with details and whimsy. A grandson tells the story of his great grandfather’s life. Grandpa Green was originally a farm boy, who grew to be a soldier, and then the loving, caring, and creative grandpa that he is in the story. Grandpa Green’s great-grandson tells his story through a series of fantasy-like topiaries. Each turn of the page takes you on a new adventure in the enchanting garden that is Grandpa Green’s life. It is a good family story for exploring the ideas of family history with young children. The story of Grandpa Green is cleverly told through the use of illustrations of a garden world filled with life like topiaries that depict his life events. Few other colors make it into this captivating green world. The plot goes through Grandpa Green’s life and we read the words that the grandson speaks as Grandpa Green’s memories take shape in the form of the plants and trees. It’s a sincere children’s book that can also be greatly appreciated by adults as well.
What do You think about Grandpa Green. By Lane Smith (2012)?
Really cool pictures but the story is maybe a bit deep for 4 and under.
—Reina1223
