Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

Smith, Lane. 2011. Grandpa Green. New York: Roaring Brook Press.

Plot:
A young boy tells the story of his great-grandfather's life from his childhood on a farm through war, marriage, and family to his current, sometimes forgetful old age.  The boy's tale is illustrated with  topiaries that depict the stages and events of Grandpa Green's life, and in the end, readers see that Grandpa is creating these living memories in his garden.

Analysis:
This inter-generational story benefits both from the authentic voice of the young narrator and the vivid and whimsical illustrations.  The characters and background scenes are pen and ink drawings, largely black and white with pale green accents which highlight the topiaries on each page.  Each textured sculpture represents a stage or description of the grandfather's long life.  Bits of red highlight certain of the topiaries.  Each page is full of rich detail in both the topiary trees and the young narrator as he interacts with the scenery and collects all the lost items that his grandfather has forgotten.  The gatefold illustration at book's end may show the visual representation of Grandpa Green's life, but it's clear by the poignant narration that more than just the garden will remember these details and stories. 

Awards & Reviews:
Caldecott Honor Book

Junior Library Guild Selection
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book & Starred Review:   "It's a rare glimpse into Smith's softer side--as skillful as his more sly offerings, but crafted with honesty and heart."
School Library Journal Best Book & Starred Review: "There is harmony in the overall design yet each page surprises and delights . . .  With each subsequent reading, it offers new layers of meaning and visual connections."

Kirkus Reviews: "Readers who slow down will be rewarded by this visual feast that grows richer with each visit."

Connections:

• Explore the world of topiaries through nonfiction and websites (http://gonewengland.about.com/library/blgranimals1.htm,  http://www.ladewgardens.com/HOME.aspx)
• Plan an inter-generational program that involves older family members helping children create illustrations for a grandparent biography or a family history.
• Other multi-generational and family stories:

Stewart, Sarah. 1997. The gardener. Ill. by David Small.  New York: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 031236749X

Say, Allen. 1993. Grandfather's journey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395570352

DePaola, Tomie. 1973. Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs. New York: Putnam. ISBN 0399203001

Juster, Norton, and Christopher Raschka. 2005. The hello, goodbye window. New York: Michael di Capua Books/Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786809140