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Grandfather's Journey: A Caldecott Award Winner by [Allen Say]

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Allen Say

Grandfather's Journey: A Caldecott Award Winner Kindle Edition

by Allen Say (Author, Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition

4.7 368 ratings

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In this Caldecott Medal–winning picture book, master storyteller Allen Say chronicles his family’s history between Japan and California. A lyrical, breathtaking tale of one man’s love for two countries, Grandfather’s Journey is perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street and Thank You, Omu!

Through pensive portraits and delicately faded art, Allen Say pays tribute to his grandfather’s persistent longing for home that continues within Allen.

This restlessness and constant desire to be in two places speaks to a universal experience as well as the deeply personal ties of family to place, and what it means to be at home in more than one country.

Both a celebration of heritage and a poignant exploration of the struggles we inherit, Grandfather’s Journey is a modern classic perfect for every household.

Reading age

4 - 7 years
Print length

32 pages
Language

English
Grade level

Preschool - 3
Publisher

Clarion Books
Publication date

Nov. 5 2013
Page Flip

Not Enabled
Word Wise

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Enhanced typesetting

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Sticky notes

Not Enabled
ISBN-13

978-0547076805
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Product description

From Publishers Weekly

Say transcends the achievements of his Tree of Cranes and A River Dream with this breathtaking picture book, at once a very personal tribute to his grandfather and a distillation of universally shared emotions. Elegantly honed text accompanies large, formally composed paintings to convey Say's family history; the sepia tones and delicately faded colors of the art suggest a much-cherished and carefully preserved family album. A portrait of Say's grandfather opens the book, showing him in traditional Japanese dress, "a young man when he left his home in Japan and went to see the world." Crossing the Pacific on a steamship, he arrives in North America and explores the land by train, by riverboat and on foot. One especially arresting, light-washed painting presents Grandfather in shirtsleeves, vest and tie, holding his suit jacket under his arm as he gazes over a prairie: "The endless farm fields reminded him of the ocean he had crossed." Grandfather discovers that "the more he traveled, the more he longed to see new places," but he nevertheless returns home to marry his childhood sweetheart. He brings her to California, where their daughter is born, but her youth reminds him inexorably of his own, and when she is nearly grown, he takes the family back to Japan. The restlessness endures: the daughter cannot be at home in a Japanese village; he himself cannot forget California. Although war shatters Grandfather's hopes to revisit his second land, years later Say repeats the journey: "I came to love the land my grandfather had loved, and I stayed on and on until I had a daughter of my own." The internal struggle of his grandfather also continues within Say, who writes that he, too, misses the places of his childhood and periodically returns to them. The tranquility of the art and the powerfully controlled prose underscore the profundity of Say's themes, investing the final line with an abiding, aching pathos: "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

From Kirkus Reviews

``The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other,'' observes Say near the end of this poignant account of three generations of his family's moves between Japan and the US. Say's grandfather came here as a young man, married, and lived in San Francisco until his daughter was ``nearly grown'' before returning to Japan; his treasured plan to visit the US once again was delayed, forever as it turned out, by WW II. Say's American-born mother married in Japan (cf. Tree of Cranes, 1991), while he, born in Yokohama, came here at 16. In lucid, graceful language, he chronicles these passages, reflecting his love of both countries--plus the expatriate's ever-present longing for home--in both simple text and exquisitely composed watercolors: scenes of his grandfather discovering his new country and returning with new appreciation to the old, and pensive portraits recalling family photos, including two evoking the war and its aftermath. Lovely, quiet- -with a tenderness and warmth new to this fine illustrator's work. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 4+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

About the Author

Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist from the age of six, and, at age twelve, apprenticed himself to his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. For the next four years, Say learned to draw and paint under the direction of Noro, who has remained Say's mentor. Say illustrated his first children's book -- published in 1972 -- in a photo studio between shooting assignments. For years, Say continued writing and illustrating children's books on a part-time basis. But in 1987, while illustrating THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (Caldecott Honor Medal), he recaptured the joy he had known as a boy working in his master's studio. It was then that Say decided to make a full commitment to doing what he loves best: writing and illustrating children's books. Since then, he has written and illustrated many books, including TREE OF CRANES and GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal. He is a full-time writer and illustrator living in Portland, Oregon.

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up-A personal history of three generations of the author's family that points out the emotions that are common to the immigrant experience. Splendid, photoreal watercolors have the look of formal family portraits or candid snapshots, all set against idyllic landscapes in Japan and in the U.S. (Sept.,
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

From Amazon

Home becomes elusive in this story about immigration and acculturation, pieced together through old pictures and salvaged family tales. Both the narrator and his grandfather long to return to Japan, but when they do, they feel anonymous and confused: "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." Allen Say's prose is succinct and controlled, to the effect of surprise when monumental events are scaled down to a few words: "The young woman fell in love, married, and sometime later I was born." The book also has large, formal paintings in delicate, faded colors that portray a cherished and well-preserved family album. The book, for audiences ages 4 to 8, won the 1994 Caldecott Medal. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Review

"The immigrant experience has rarely been so poignantly evoked as it is in this direct, lyrical narrative that is able to stir emotions through the sheer simplicity of its telling." Horn Book, Starred

Library Media Connection --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00B0SB87U
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books; Reprint edition (Nov. 5 2013)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 5770 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #871,276 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #137 in Children's Explore Asia Fiction eBooks
- #436 in Children's Multigenerational Family Life Books
- #1,092 in Exploring Asia for Children

Customer Reviews:
4.7 368 ratings

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Allen Say

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Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist from the age of six, and, at age twelve, apprenticed himself to his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. For the next four years, Say learned to draw and paint under the direction of Noro, who has remained Say's mentor. Say illustrated his first children's book -- published in 1972 -- in a photo studio between shooting assignments. For years, Say continued writing and illustrating children's books on a part-time basis. But in 1987, while illustrating THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (Caldecott Honor Medal), he recaptured the joy he had known as a boy working in his master's studio. It was then that Say decided to make a full commitment to doing what he loves best: writing and illustrating children's books. Since then, he has written and illustrated many books, including TREE OF CRANES and GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal. He is a full-time writer and illustrator living in Portland, Oregon.

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5

368 global ratings

5 star		82%
4 star		11%
3 star		3%
2 star		2%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from Canada

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Larissa

Lovely book with beautiful illustrations

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on April 7, 2021

Verified Purchase

This was one of my favourite books as a kid, and one of the first ones where I saw a protagonist that looked like my family. The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is simple.

One thing to note is that it does talk about "red" and "yellow" men. Definitely take the opportunity to discuss that with your kids when you read this book together.

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on July 6, 2021

Verified Purchase

Actually it is for Kindergarten age or grade 1 students.

Helpful

Betsy Bird

Lovely, evocative, and simple

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on December 22, 2003

The pictures throughout this book are striking. Even without having known a thing about it, the cover of this book was familiar to me the minute I picked it up. Though I've only seen it briefly in bookstores and libraries, Say's illustrations do not leave a person's mind readily. Most beautiful, to my mind, are his drawings of his elderly grandfather, as well as the evocative shots of cities and mountains in the United States. Say tackles a subject that I've rarely seen even acknowledged in children's literature. It is the notion of forever being homesick for the other towns and cities you've grown to love in your life. I don't know how well this can be conveyed to children. Quite possibly, kids reading this story will understand what the author is saying on a much smaller level. If a person explains to a kid that it is like missing school/camp/a grandparent's house when one is home and vice versa, it might be comprehensible. This would be an excellent book for reading aloud to large groups. Moreover, it might pair well with other stories of immigrants coming to America.

Helpful

Kona

Grandfather's lifelong journey

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on October 19, 2002

Allen Say tells the story of his own grandfather, who was born in Japan, raised a family in California, and returned to Japan, where Say was born. The text is very simple, as are the illustrations. The story is quite touching as the grandfather ages, and can never return to his beloved second home, because of WWII. Cultural differences, such as dress, are shown, as is the unchanging importance of family and tradtion.The author also moved to California as a young man, and now understands even more about his grandfather. This is liked by children 7-9, and adults will appreciate it on their own level. After your child reads this book, I recommend Allen Say's book, "Tree of Cranes."

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on June 29, 2004

As part of a summer course I am taking at WV State University I would like to review this book. It is a great book for a teacher to use. It could be used with the following themes: grandfathers, countries, homesickness and loss. The pictures are beautiful and so is the story.

Helpful

Larry Mark - Editor of MyJewishBooksDotCom

LIke looking through a family album

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on May 18, 2001

Each large page contains a faded color painting of a photo (maybe 7x8 inches) with text beneath, both by Allen Say. Allen tells the story of his grandfather, first shown in traditional Japanese attire, and next traveling by steamship to California in Western garb and bowler hat. On the next pages, we see him travel through America by riverboat, train and foot, meeting various people (red, brown, white and yellow), seeing deserts and oceans of golden amber grain, visiting rural towns and industrial cities filled with factories. Returning to Japan, he marries, and settles in San Francisco to raise a family. year later, they return to Japan, and he helps to raise his grandchild prior to WWII. Allen, the author, grows up and follows in his grandfather's footsteps, coming to America to explore. When in California, he and his grandfather long for Japan; in Japan they long for California.

Helpful

J. J. Falcone

A moving journey through time and space . . .

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on September 16, 2000

Allen Say has combined his love of family history and his talent for evocative illustration to create this wonderful story to share with your own family! He retells his grandfather's story of immigration, imparting not only the wonder he experiences being in his new country, but also conveying the angst he feels at being away from his land of birth. These feelings are expressed exquisitely in the paintings which bring to mind photograhs of that period in history. In addition, there are many springboard opportunities for discussions. The photographic paintings elicit questions from your children that will begin conversations about methods of travel, different regions of our own country, differences between cultures, and differences between the time that is illustrated and the time we are living in now. A valuable book on so many levels, you will be glad you chose to share this with your children!

Helpful

Amazon Customer

Grandfather's Journey is exquisite!

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on November 3, 2000

Grandfather's Journey was my introduction to one of my very favorite authors and illustrators, Allen Say. This magnificently written & beautifully painted book is a masterpiece and a wonderful tribute to Allen's grandfather and progenitors. That anyone would rate this anything but a 5 prompted me to write this review. As a schoolteacher on a very limited budget, I only buy hardback books that I consider exquisite. This was a definite MUST HAVE after I read and re-read it. As a family member, it gives me ideas on how to write my family history. As a school teacher, it provides the perfect example for my students of how they, too, might capture their family's heritage. Definitely a 5!!

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

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pilgrim0795

Evocative and Poignant

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 3, 2013

Verified Purchase

Beautifully illustrated. The images seem deeply personal with an inherent sense of dignity. In this wonderful tribute to his grandfather, Allen Say, through his taut prose and pictures, takes the reader on a journey to find the place called home. As the old saying goes, Home is where the heart is. However, what happens if your heart is drawn by two places and very different cultures: the land of your birth and the land through which you journey and ultimately settle?

Grandfather's journeys between the unnamed mountain village in Japan and the seacoast of California, evoke a sense of pilgrimage. Yet the story suggests that with changing times and circumstances, your feelings too can suddenly be changed. In a moment of suspense, it would appear that the restless tide of journeying has ended with grandfather's death.

But the family line continues and in words remniscent of his grandfather, the writer states: "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other."

Young children may find it difficult to connect with the pictures, (many of them, portraits of the Grandfather and his family). The issue of being an immigrant is probably outside their experience and although this is a story about adventure, it is more a reflection upon the feelings of the grandfather, rather than a suspense filled plot. As an adult, however, I loved this story. Although I have no personal experience of immigration, the skilful combination of writing and images enables you to enter into and empathise with the characters on their restless journeys between homes. Just like Allen, the reader is able to say, "I think I know...grandfather now."

2 people found this helpful

Unga Bunga

Highly recommend

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 29, 2016

Verified Purchase

Goods as described. Fast shipping. Highly recommend

Elle

Fast delivery and good condition

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 19, 2019

Verified Purchase

Good as description.

lea fischer

Unbeschreiblich schönes Buch

Reviewed in Germany 🇩🇪 on June 7, 2014

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Berührende Geschichte
Poetischer Text
Atemberaubende Illustrationen
Vollkommener Lesegenuss

Ein wertvoller Schatz für die Bilderbuchsammlung!
Das ist kein billiges Kinderbuch zum Aufsagen. Es ist eine ergreifende Beschreibung, die überzeugt und anregt, was mit vielen wunderschönen Illustrationen unterstrichen wird. Fast zu gut für die Kleinen!

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Follow the Author

Grandfather's Journey: A Caldecott Award Winner Kindle Edition

Product description

From Publishers Weekly

From Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

From School Library Journal

From Amazon

Review

Product details

About the author

Allen Say

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