Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

Bibliography
Smith, Lane. 2011. Grandpa Green. New York: Roaring Books.  ISBN 978-1-59643-607-7

Plot summary
In this beautifully illustrated book, a little boy helps take care of a topiary his grandfather has spent a lifetime creating by using events and people important in the grandfather's life.  Whether the little boy is watering the bushes or eating lunch on a stump, he's able to share in the memories of his great-grandfather and even begins to share and create his own memories.

Critical analysis
The illustrations are what make this book outstanding. Lane is a talented artist that can tackle multiple artistic styles.  In Grandpa Green, the illustrations are calm and peaceful using shades of green and delicate drawings for the little boy and grandfather.

The principal theme of this book is memories, love, and family.  The great-grandfather uses the topiary as a form of creating family connections; when the boy is walking through the topiary,  he's walking through his grandfather's life.  By being able to keep the garden clean and pruned, the little boy is able to keep the memories alive.

The visual connection offered by the topiary to the event or person is vivid, for example, the red berries on a tree representing chicken pox the grandfather had in the 4th grade, or, when his grandfather went to war, shown by vivid, red jungle plants, exploding leafs and trees pruned into a bomb and airplane.  There was sentimental use of an old tree with bare and missing branches representing the ageing and forgetfulness of the great-grandfather

 Lane uses simple statements that children can relate to "He was born a really long time ago." The simplicity works well to move the boy through the topiary and to explain the events to the reader. It's the pictures that express all the emotion; the words just gently move us along through the grandfather's life.  I connect to this book because my grandmother has Alzheimer's and also loved plants.  How wonderful it would be if we, her family, could share in her past through such a visual statement.

Although Grandpa Green can work as a real-aloud, it would have a much stronger impact for quiet reading. This is a book to be mulled over, leafed through again and again, to glean more insight into the topiary and what they represent.


Review Excerpt(s)

“In this affecting picture book, a boy recounts the life of his beloved great-grandfather…The author’s illustrations, a blend of line drawings and sponge painting, have a classic feel, and make clever use of the topiary theme, rewarding close examination and repeated reading.”--The New Yorker

“Great-grandpa’s memory may be going, but the past remains vibrantly alive in the playful topiaries that decorate his brilliantly green yard. Lush and magical.” --People

"An unassuming little masterpiece…the book’s power lies in its rich, allusive artistry.” --New York Times Book Review

“It's a rare glimpse into Smith's softer side--as skillful as his more sly offerings, but crafted with honesty and heart.” --Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"Visually intriguing and emotionally resonant, this is a book to pore over and talk about. With each subsequent reading, it offers new layers of meaning and visual connections."–School Library Journal Starred Review

“Opening this book is like opening a gate to a secret garden, filled with the treasures of a life well lived. In his portrait of a boy who adores and honors his forgetful great-grandfather, Smith shows us that the things that are meaningful to the ones we love become part of our garden, too.” —Shelf Awareness
“Though this book has lots of adult appeal, it will also be a wonderful bridge to exploring family history with the very young.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Sketched with a finely lined fairy-tale wispiness and dominated by verdant green, the illustrations are not just creative but poignant.” —Booklist

Connections

• Bring in a shaped plant or bonsai so students can see how plants can be trimmed into shapes.
• Create a slideshow of pictures of character bushes, for example, Disney bushes, dinosaur and other shaped bushes.
• Have students draw a bush based upon someone important in their lives or an important event.
• If your students like this book, offer similar suggestions;
• Kalman, Bobbie. Plants Are Living Things. ISBN 978-0778732570
• Cole, Henry. Jack's Garden. ISBN 978-0688152833
• Mayer, Mercer. Just Grandpa and me. ISBN 978-0307119360
• Lashier, Kathleen. Grandpa, Tell Me Your Memories. ISBN 978-1563830389