A boy told the story of his great-grandfather by strolling into a topiary-shaped garden.
The book follows the crucial events of Grandpa Green’s life from birth, school years, service in the military, marriage and elderly years. The pages reveal parallel facts about Grandpa Green’s life next to artistically drawn images. Grandpa lives a content life and passes his story through the exclusively shaped garden. Once, he wished to study horticulture but became a soldier fighting in France. The dream wasn’t abandoned, and he created a memorable garden for the future generations of his grandchildren to enjoy. Though it’s never explicitly stated, readers might assume Grandpa Green passed away, which might trigger emotions about lost cherished family members.
Kate Greenway, winner and twice Caldecott Honor Lane Smith, delivers an astonishing story with a short text and a limited colour palette. “Grandpa Green” would support History lessons in KS1 and Lower KS2 classes. The children would better understand time and could help plot milestones from their lives on a timeline.
It is bursting with memories and visually engaging!
Further Information:
If you loved Grandpa Green, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
The Stats:
- Title: Grandpa Green
- Author and Illustrator: Lane Smith
- ISBN: 978-1-4472-1835-7
- Publication Date: 2017
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Two Hoots
- Recommended age: 5-8
- Categories/Topic: family history, topiary garden
Where to Find it:
- Buy on Amazon: Grandpa Green
- Find on: Goodreads
