MY GRANDFATHERS HAT

From Kirkus ReviewsA favorite hat serves as pivot for revealing episodes, narrated by Jason after Grandpa's death, that portray their special relationship: when Jason jumps on Grandpa's hat by mistake, Mom scolds but Grandpa says, easily, ``leave the boy alone,'' and gives him a wink; the hat tops the snowman they build and is used to carry eggs from the henhouse. And though other longtime belongings are sold after Grandpa's death, Jason is given the hat, with permission to wear it now or wait until he grows into it. Scheller makes a strong debut with her warm, skillfully crafted narrative; Narahashi's glowing impressionistic pastels are an excellent complement, deftly capturing the action and mood. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.Product DescriptionGrandpa always wore his hat to Jason's house, and when his grandfather dies, Jason inherits the special hat and wears it to remind him of all the good times they shared together.From Publishers WeeklyWhen Jason's grandfather dies, his grandmother gives him the hat his grandfather wore when they shared good times together. In a quiet, gentle tone, Jason tells of how they made matching snowmen with pickles for eyes, and how, when freshly gathered eggs broke inside the hat, the old man said, "I guess the yolk's on me." At book's end, Jason practices tipping his hat and saying "Mornin' " as his grandfather used to and concludes that he needs to grow up before he can "wear his grandfather's hat." While newcomer Scheller has created likable characters, her first-person narrative often seems too sophisticated for the voice of a child. Narahashi ( Who Said Red ; Who Wants One ) deviates from her familiar style and artfully mimics the pencil drawings of children, subtly suggesting the emotional bond Jason shares with his grandfather. Nonetheless, her scumbled, thoughtful drawings do not mitigate the slightly therapeutic tone of this message book about how memories can aid those dealing with grief. Ages 4-8.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.From School Library JournalKindergarten-Grade 2-- Jason's grandfather is a kindly, unflappable character whose hat reflects his easy-going approach to life. He doffs it at passersby, perches it atop a snowman, and even uses it to carry eggs. Once, when Jason accidentally squashes the fedora, Grandpa merely pops it back into shape. When the old man dies, most of his possessions are sold and Jason is left with his memories--and the hat. Soft-focused watercolor and pencil illustrations convey the homey, comforting ambience of this subdued story. Rather than dealing directly with the sorrow over a loved one's death, it concentrates on the solace to be gained from fond memories. --Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public LibraryCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Author: Scheller

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Binding: Hardcover

Language: English

ISBN-10: 068950540X

ISBN-13: 9780689505409