Grandfather's Journey
	Author: Allen Say Published: 2008-10-27
	List price: $7.99 Our price: See Detail	As of: March 10th, 2010 05:50:22 PM
Customer comments on this selection. Beware of the packaging monster! Amazon used a box the size of a large dvd player to send this flat paperback! Green!? I dont think so! A worthy Caldecott! On the title page of "Grandfather's Journey," author Allen Say produces a single image--an origami boat--to signify his title. Just what is Grandfather's journey? A literal trip from Japan to America? Of course, but more. His travels all across America? Yes, then more. His sojourn in California, then his return trip to Japan to re-establish himself there? Oh, definitely, yet more. What is a man's life, if not a journey? But from where to where? Or is the journey that which transpires in between the origin and the destination? Or does the destination begin the journey? I am a big proponent of considering the artwork that precedes the story. Some illustrators are so clever that they provide clues and foreshadowing, symbols for meaning and direct images for surprises on the pages leading up to the story. Does an illustrator who creates for children really produce such deep meanings? Some do. Allen Say does. As a librarian I tell my patrons/students always to look at that art, then after finishing the story, go back and look at it again. When I did that, the origami boat just exploded with possibility and all those questions asked above. Obviously, the narrator is the grandson born after Grandfather had returned to Japan with his wife and daughter. Growing up, he heard the stories of America and he, too, longed to see this land his grandfather loved as his own. His stories told of his criss-cross travels in exploring this world. Finally, he settled in California, returned to Japan for his childhood sweetheart, raised his daughter in America, then moved back to Japan. World War II abruptly ended his plans to visit America once again. Funny thing about living in two worlds. When the narrator also moves to America, he misses Japan and must return for visits, and makes this observation: "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." So what does that origami boat tell us? Travel is illusory? Where can we go but the homestead of our hearts? But what determines our heart's desire? Now, in the moment? Experience, in memory? What was Grandfather's journey? Such thought-provoking questions and poignant artwork are what make a real Caldecott winner. Not just for kids Beautiful illustrations supporting very interesting text. Accessible to children, but at the same time, very sophisticated. Grandfather's Journey I liked this book very much. The Grandfather was a young man who left his home in Japan to see the world. He liked California best and lived there for a long time. When he had a daughter he wanted her to see Japan and why he loved and missed it very much. He lived there the rest of his life but still told me about his feelings for California. The Grandson decided to go to California and see it for himself. He understood his Grandfather's love for California. I learned from this story that it is good to travel and see new things and places because it makes you realize what you love about home. Nicholas Lovely This is a story that focuses on the dual love that people can have for places. Here, that case is between Japan and California. It's a simple, sweet, and poignant story about generations, their differences, and love for home.
Our Health Care book picks:
First Aid for the Emergency Medicine Boards (FIRST AID Specialty Boards) Lifetime Health Dr. Nieca Goldberg's Complete Guide to Women's Health Health Services: Policy and Systems for Therapists (2nd Edition) Miraculous Health: How to Heal Your Body by Unleashing the Hidden Power of Your Mind

Disclaimer:
This site does not treat, diagnose or assess medical conditions. We do not prescribe medication or provide medical advice. The opinions, information and resources contained within this site are for informational purposes only. This information is not medical practice nor medical advice. Before starting any type of medical progam, exercise program, change in lifestyle, or diet, consult your physician to determine the options best suited to your individual needs.