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Book Reviewed by:The story is set in Scotland where Gavin spends most
of his free time with his Grandad. That is until
his grandfather is hospitalized with a stroke. Day after
day at the hospital, Gavin tries to get through to his now
helpless and speechless Grandad and even after everyone else
has given up Gavin keeps trying.
Our children (then 8 and 10) enjoyed listening to this story,
which I read to them at our morning 'reading parties' before
school last year, and the storyline triggered a number
of interesting conversations about issues that concerned them.
As adults, I think we tend to underestimate how aware, often
concerned, many children can be about death and illness -
subjects that many of us find almost as difficult, if not more
difficult, to discuss with our children than sex! Many
of the euphemisms we use can be terribly confusing to children
- for example putting a family pet 'to sleep'!
So, in short, I think this is a lovely book and well worth
reading, and one that would be particularly valuable if your
children are coping with the serious illness of a family
member, elderly or otherwise.
Selected Reviews:
'Magic hovers just beneath the surface of Dickinson's
lyrical tale.....The road to the hopeful but honest conclusion
is thoughtful but never maudlin, and the insights the author
offers will linger long after journey's end. Ages 9-12.' -
Publishers Weekly.
This review
first ran in the June 15, 2005
issue of BookBrowse Recommends.
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