Grandad’s World
During the summer holidays, Jack leaves his home in the city and goes to visit his grandfather in the countryside. There is so much to see and do in his cottage by the woods where they watch the wildlife and walk together by the river. But, one night, their peace is shattered by a van dumping rubbish in Grandad’s special pond. Jack and Grandad quickly set to work, joined by the rest of the community to restore the pond to its former beauty for everyone to enjoy and make it safe for the wildlife which lives there.
‘Grandad’s World’ is such a beautiful book! Gorgeous illustrations and gentle text combine perfectly to create a deeply poignant celebration of the special connection between grandparent and grandchild and the beauties of the natural world.
I was lucky enough to spend many days during holidays with my grandparents and have treasured memories of sewing, cooking and making with my Grandma. This book captures the special bond which can form between generations beautifully, offering a different way of spending time- a more relaxed, calmer, technology free approach to life. For Jack and his grandfather, their bond develops through spending time outdoors, both in nature and tending Grandad’s chickens. A sense of timelessness permeates the story as Grandad shares how his father and grandfather looked after the pond and Jack hopes that one day it might be his turn to do so.
When nature is threatened by the callous actions of anonymous fly-tippers, the story shows the power of individuals and communities to make a difference on a very local and immediate level, working together to keep the creatures who live in, and around, the pond safe. There is no great call to action here- just a simple, direct message of leading by example.
The illustrations are every bit as stunning as might be expected from Michael Foreman. Beautiful watercolours add to the charm of the story, offering readers a mini work of art on every page. This is a story to be shared and enjoyed again and again at home or at school.
Grandad’s World
Michael Foreman
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702323119