Grandaddy and Janetta Together: The Three Stories in One Book - Hardcover

Griffith, Helen V.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060291486 ISBN 13: 9780060291488

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2001

Synopsis

A chapter book just right for reading aloud and reading alone collects the three previously released titles, Grandaddy's Place, Grandaddy and Janetta, and Grandaddy's Stars together in one book.

About this title

Review:

Going off to the countryside to visit a relative you've never seen before can be a daunting prospect, especially for a little city girl like Janetta. The last place she wants to be is at her grandaddy's rickety farmhouse with its bare dirt yard and mean-looking animals everywhere. But as Janetta soon learns, how you feel about the world depends on how you look at things. What at first seems strange and frightening becomes wondrous when filtered through the prism of Grandaddy's wry humor. No matter what the situation, Grandaddy has some delightful tall tale to offer, whether he's talking about worms or dancing insects. It's soon obvious that, like the stars in the sky, Grandaddy and Janetta belong together.

Previously published separately, these three delightful stories about a strong and loving connection between the generations are now brought together in one chapter book. As their relationship unfolds, it's clear that Grandaddy has become the rock that Janetta, who appears to have no father, can always count on. His wise observations help her sort through the unsettling emotional questions all young children face--am I loved, who can I count on, what if my world changes? Whatever Janetta most needs--whether it be a kitten to love, an affirmation of her singular talents, or a good laugh--Grandaddy magically provides. Readers will find the expressive original illustrations by renowned artist James Stevenson reproduced in black and white. Overall, this early chapter book is an affecting, soul-satisfying story collection about the steadfastness of love. (Ages 4 to 8) --Marianne Painter

About the Author:

Helen V. Griffith lives in Wilmington, Delaware.

In Her Own Words...

"What I like about writing books is that I can sit and think about things that most adults never think about, and it's okay because I'm a children's book writer."

"I can imagine what my dog is dreaming about or what she and my cat discuss when I'm not around. I can design a time machine or make up a tall tale, and nobody says, "Grow up, Helen"--because I'm a children's book writer.

"I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, and I work in the family business. We're distributors of roofing and siding materials, and I've never yet gotten a story inspiration from that. Most of my ideas seem to come from dogs I have known.

"My grandfather was part of our family and used to read to me a lot-the Sunday funny papers, turn-of-the-century primers, and The Arabian Nights. When I could read for myself, I read fairy tales, dog and horse stories, and comic books by the dozen.

"I started writing poems and the beginnings of novels by the age of seven or eight, but I was forty before I thought about writing for publication.

"For fun, I like reading (especially Anthony Trollope) and birdwatching, and I've just started learning to play old-time fiddle!"

About this edition

• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0060291486
• ISBN 13: 9780060291488
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 80
• Illustrator: Stevenson James