Grandpa Green

Written & Illustrated by: Lane Smith


Publisher: Roaring Brook Press    Copyright Date: 2011  ISBN: 978-1-59643-607-7

Genre: Realistic Fiction      Format: Picture Book

Major Awards Received: 

New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books, 2011
Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2012 Honor Book United States
Society of Illustrators Original Art Award, 2011

Summary: The relationship between a child and their grandpa is a very special one.  The time spent together creates memories that last a life time.  When the time comes to say goodbye, the child will always have these memories to remember them by. 

Personal response: This story really touched me because I think we take our relationships with elderly relatives for granted.  The knowledge they can give us is immeasurable.  Because so many of us are living longer, I think we should embrace this time and share it with each other. 

Classroom connections: Because this is a picture book, the connection between the text and the illustrations are very important.  As I was reading this to the students, I would make sure to stop and ask questions about the illustrations, for example does anyone know why the trees and shrubs are cut this way, and if anyone recognizes the characters from “The Wizard of Oz”.  At the end of the book, I would make sure to take time to discuss the last line, "But the important stuff the garden remembers for him" and ensure that the students know why the author made this connection with Grandpa and the garden.  At the end of the discussion, I would show the video that is at http://castlereads.blogspot.com/2011/11/grandpa-green-by-lane-smith.html, this is a cute way for the students to see Grandpa making his topiary garden.