Items related to Grandpa Blows His Pennywhistle Until the Angels Sing
From Publishers Weekly
With this prolix tale Roth (Happy Birthday, Mr. Kang) delivers some of her most accomplished collages; unfortunately the writing is as muddled as the art is strong. As his sister tells it, Little Boy James refuses to get dressed for church ("Grandpa never goes and I'm not going either"). He defies his mother, riding the horse bareback, walking along the top of the corral fence and climbing a ladder to reach the barn roof, all the while complaining about the preacher (given the rambling text, Roth is on thin ice when she speaks of "windbags"). Inventive, textured collages enable readers to view these escapades as though they are with the narrator, looking out the windows of her home. Then Little Boy James tumbles from the roof and lies unconscious on the ground, and the girl and Grandpa walk to church so Grandpa can talk to God. Interrupting the Very Reverend Wilson as he "drones" on about "burning in hell," Grandpa plays his penny whistle to summon angels, who then awaken the boy with their song. Roth's angels are charming, trailing white netting from their shiny silver haloes, but she outdoes herself with collages of the church's stained glass window, light streaming through. Simply composed of tissue paper squares placed atop white cloth, their bright music suggests the ineffable qualities imputed to the grandfather's song. Ages 5-10.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-Rambunctious Little Boy James refuses to attend morning church service and instead carouses around in the yard, insisting that if Grandpa doesn't have to go then he shouldn't either. He climbs to the roof and gets so carried away with his own sermon that he slips and falls to the ground. When the doctor arrives, Grandpa heads off to church with Little Boy's sister, the narrator. Grandpa proceeds to play his penny whistle so soulfully that angels begin singing to his heartrending tune. Grandpa, like the pied piper, leads the angels home where Little Boy sits up and declares, "When Grandpa blows his penny whistle-I can hear the angels sing." Roth's straightforward words and collage images form an exquisite partnership that opens the door to this farm family's heart. Everything from the colloquial dialogue to the gingham dress speaks about the family's no-nonsense lifestyle; nonetheless, the relatives still appreciate humor. The artwork is unique and often stunning. Strong vertical lines are carried from page to page, perhaps suggesting the path to and from heaven. Faith, family, and love are presented in such depth that older children will want to discuss and debate what really happens in the story.-Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherBarefoot Books
- Publication date2001
- ISBN 10 1841482463
- ISBN 13 9781841482460
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages40
- Rating
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