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GRANDPA GREEN

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Smith, Lane. 2011. GRANDPA GREEN. New York City, NY: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781596436077

2.  PLOT SUMMARY
Grandpa Green is a journey through a topiary wonderland. Lane Smith is both author and illustrator and paints the poignant picture of one man’s life as seen through the eyes of his great grandson and the topiaries. As the great grandson narrates the story, we learn that Grandpa Green grew up on a farm, long before computers or other electronic gadgets. A bout with chicken pox in fourth grade led to a lengthy stay at home, where Grandpa read about secret gardens and began a love of horticulture. During World War II, he met his wife in Paris and together they enjoyed their life and children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. And just like a secret garden, there is a treasure awaiting the reader at the end of this book in the form of a double-page foldout which will delight both kids and adults. In the end, we learn that grandpa forgets things, but not the important things, because the garden topiaries help him to remember.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lane’s writing goes straight to the heart, especially for anyone who has experienced an aging loved one with memory issues. There is a nod to Alzheimers, but it doesn’t overtake the story. Lane’s illustrations bring the narrative to life with an interaction between the characters and topiary figures. Through the topiaries, we experience the living journey of Grandpa’s life from birth to great grandfather. As an illustrator, Lane plays with shades of green to add dimension and bring the reader into the garden itself. The result is that reader walks with the great-grandson through the topiary vista of Grandpa's life. This book is a must-read for any parent grappling with the explanation of Alzheimers to their young children. And as a Caldecott honor book, it is a worthwhile study of color for artists of all ages. The simplicity of green underscores the simple beauty of the love between grandparent and grandchild.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SWEETONBOOKS.COM: “Lane Smith seems to be looking for the meaning of life while creating picture books, and lucky for us readers, we get to go on the journey with him.”
KIRKUS REVIEW: “The illustrations say what the text doesn't need to—that the love between boy and elder is elemental and honest.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*A great book for teaching kids about the dignity of aging.
*Visit Lane Smith’s web site to learn about the author. There’s a video section which includes Kelly Ripa and Regis Philbin extolling the virtues of Lane Smith’s picture book, It’s a Book.
*Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, PUBLISHER WEEKLY'S Best Children’s Book, A NEW YORK TIMES Best Illustrated Book

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