'Grandpa and the Robin' is a moving picture book for children of 4 to 8 years, written by Eva Applecross and beautifully illustrated by Shelley Ashkowski. Dedicated to her late Grandpa Richard, it's a tale of loss and loneliness but also of joy and pleasure. Grandpa lives in a remote country farmhouse and is devastated by the passing of his wife, Doris. His only remaining relative, his granddaughter, Ana, lives too far away to visit regularly. But grandpa makes good use of his time and keeps busy tending his garden and watching the birds coming to feed. One in particular, a robin, visits often, which cheers grandpa up immensely. After being scared away for a time by a stray cat, the robin returns on Christmas Day and, even better, grandpa is blessed by a surprise visit from Ana and the two of them have great fun feeding the robin mealworms from grandpa's hat. This story is lovingly told and brings home the plight of many elderly people who live alone and far from their families. In a few short pages we find we care about grandpa as the story immerses the reader in a rollercoaster of emotions as grandpa loses what brings him hope but then finds it again in what we sincerely hope is a happy ending. A wonderful book to share with youngsters.
Drena Irish, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
I think this is a very worthwhile book to be added to the bookshelf.
I liked this book for several reasons. Instead of it being child-centred, it is centred on the feelings and doings of someone else, a someone that most children have... Grandpa. But it could easily be a lead in to talk about the feelings of others in a family. It tells them that adults can feel sad and lonely too. I also like the very simple but attractive illustrations, they show us just enough to cover the storyline, with clear lines and bright colours. Then there is the story itself, told simply with repetitive language that a child can recognise. Last but not least, it deals bravely with a subject that can be difficult to deal with, the death of a loved one, here a grandma.... Read Full Review
A very sweet read.
As I sit on a frosty and very chilly morning it seems the best time to write this review. What a sweet story. It is moving in its simplicity. The gentle, sad grandpa, the loyal, hungry robin and the returning daughter, Ana. Despite the few words, the book manages to convey grandpa's loneliness and his joy in the bird's friendship. I think the repetition of 'poor grandpa, and tweet, tweet, tweet would appeal to children as would the beautifully clear illustrations.... Read Full Review
Although perhaps not intended for a wide readership, this charming little book would make a wonderful gift for anyone who had recently lost their grandfather.
When Grandpa becomes widowed, living in his isolated farmhouse, he feels lonely and misses his beloved wife, Doris. Sharing his favourite jam on toast breakfast one morning with a friendly robin, he enjoys the bird's company when he is gardening and is disappointed when the cat frightens the robin away. However to his delight, the robin returns during the winter to eat the wild bird food that Grandpa leaves out and when his dear grandaughter, Ana, visits him he is proud to introduce her to his best friend the robin. This simple tale dedicated to a grandpa has a highly personal ambiance and makes me feel that it has brought much comfort to its creators. The illustrations are beautiful and I found them quite emotive at times.... Read Full Review