Author: Lane Smith

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Publisher/Year: Roaring Book Press, 2011

Pages: 34

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Analysis:

In Grandpa Green, a little boy gives a history of his great-grandfather as he wanders among the artfully shaped trees and hedges of his garden. The boy’s history exposes his great-grandfather as a humble farm boy, a soldier, a husband, and most of all, an artist whose memories lie in his garden creations. The book ends with the boy trimming a topiary tree in the shape (memory) of his great-grandfather.

In a touching and whimsical way, young readers who feel a great sense of pride and respect towards a role model, friend, or family member, can relate to the little boy’s fascination with his great-grandfather and his desire to bond in the garden. Grandpa Green acts as a window by exposing young readers to the experiences of a different generation, one where children got chicken pox, did not have cell phones, and had to serve in the war as young adults. Grandpa Green also introduces readers to the process of aging, but not as they have experienced it thus far in their lives; for boy’s great-grandfather, aging involves forgetfulness and handing down his memories and legacy through garden creations. Finally, the boy’s honorable behavior allows Grandpa Green to act as a door for readers. Instead of mocking or judging his great-grandfather in his old age, the young boy shows great curiosity and respect for him. The boy both interacts with his great-grandfather’s memories (in the form of shaped trees) and helps him to not forget things like his hat.

Power is distributed evenly in Grandpa Green. Although the great-grandfather is old and growing forgetful, Smith celebrates the power of older generations to pass down memories and family history. The boy as well has power—the power to keep his great-grandfather’s art and spirit alive by learning how to trim trees and shrubs. Although concepts of family history and aging are universal (or race-less), Grandpa Green focuses on those themes within the setting of a white, American family. Some readers might get the message that gardens as spectacular and elaborate as the great-grandfather’s are typical of white people, and senior citizens especially. Grandpa Green only explores one way family history can be shared, even though it is different across cultures.

The text communicates the identity transformation of the great-grandfather as he ages and grows from a farmer to a lover, soldier, husband, and artist. The text, while limited, also provides context to the illustrations. Sif’s illustrations add a whimsical feeling to the story and symbolize how imagination and artful skill can preserve things (i.e. memories) otherwise forgotten. On each page, trees and bushes are shaped to mimic each event in the great grandfather’s life (e.g. trees shaped like a plane and parachuting soldier to represent war). The boy is drawn very lightly and is almost invisible; the purpose of Grandpa Green is to celebrate the great-grandfather, not the boy. Also, the way the young boy plays with his great-grandfather’s garden creations in the illustrations symbolizes how history is lived through the memories of loved ones. Themes present in Grandpa Green include respect for elders and the use of art as a means of story-telling and sharing of culture.