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Young Michael had been told by his mother over and over again not to stare at his grandfather whenever he visited his family in London. But Michael couldn't help it, slyly looking at a grandfather he really doesn't know very well and wondering how his face had gotten so disfigured, how he had lost part of the fingers on one hand and all of them on the other. His mother doesn't talk about it and his grandfather doesn't talk about much of anything, let alone what happened to him.
Michael's grandfather lives a relatively isolated life on one of the Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast, making a living crabbing and lobstering. When Michael is about 12, he is sent to spend the summer with his grandpa, helping with the fishing, reading, and living a quiet life side by side without electricity, using only a generator that was shut off at night. But Michael liked it there, it was calming and comforting.
One day, while out in the fishing boat, grandpa suddenly told Michael that the thing he liked about him was that he wasn't afraid to look at his face. Before long, grandpa is telling Michael about his life and how things came to be as they are.
After marrying his youthful sweetheart, Annie, war broke out and grandpa joined the merchant navy. One day while crossing the Atlantic in a convoy, his ship was torpedoed several times. With their ship on fire and sinking, grandpa's friend Jim managed to get both of them off it and into the burning water. They swam to a lifeboat, and even though there was no room for either of them, grandpa was pulled into it, and Jim stayed in the water, hanging on for as long as he could.
Grandpa woke up in the hospital, with a long recovery ahead of him. Annie came to visit but grandpa could tell things were different. When he finally returned to Scilly, they did have a baby girl, but things didn't improve. Grandpa started drinking, living with so much hate and anger because of the war. Eventually, Annie left, taking their daughter and never speaking to him again. Father and daughter were estranged until she was grown and sought him out. Their relationship was tentative at best, in part because he had always felt like half a man because people only half looked at him, and his own daughter always avoided looking at him. It was only Michael who wasn't afraid to see his grandpa for who he was, scars and all.
This short story is told in retrospect by a now grown-up Michael. It feels almost like a chapter book, in part because it is only 64 pages, in part because there are so many illustrations, and in part because it is told so simply, but it is a deceptively complicated story and not for such young readers. It is really more for middle grade readers.
The ink and screen print illustrations are done in a palette of grays, oranges, blues and yellows, and are as spare as the story is intense. Most are done from a distance to the subject, and those that are close up show no distinct features. And distance seems to be an underlying theme of the story. The story is told from the distance of time, about people who are just so distant from each other emotionally and physically.
I know Michael Morpurgo is a master at telling sad stories, but I found this to be a sadder story than usual, even though the end does bring closure, at the request of Michael's grandpa, bringing together his mother and grandmother, who have been estranged for years. It really makes you sit back and think. There was so much sadness because of what the war did to Michael's grandpa and the repercussions that resulted leaving these relatives isolated, alienated, even angry with each other, when really it should have elicited kindness, compassion and love.
For that reason, this is a story that will also have resonance in today's world, where we see so many veteran's coming back from war injured, disfigured and with traumatic brain injury. It begs the question: how will we treat these veterans, these men and women and their families.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL
0 Comments on Half a Man by Michael Morpurgo as of 3/18/2015 5:54:00 PM
Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion. Mo Willems. 2010. September 2010. HarperCollins. 52 pages.
One day, not so long ago, Trixie took a big trip with her family. They were on their way to visit Trixie's "Oma" and "Opa" in Holland. So that meant taking a taxi to the airport, waiting in line, watching Knuffle Bunny go through the big machine, waiting some more, and (finally) getting onto a real airplane!
Trixie is back in her third adventure. She's lost Knuffle Bunny at the local laundromat, the local school, what's next? The airplane, of course! It has been a few years since Trixie went boneless at the loss of Knuffle Bunny. Her parents tell her again and again that she is bigger now. Her grandparents tell her again and again that she is bigger now. But is it true? Can Trixie be okay without Knuffle Bunny by her side? (It helps when Trixie dreams of Knuffle Bunny having adventures in China--the next destination for that plane. It does NOT help when Oma and Opa try to buy her a replacement bunny--that speaks Dutch and dances!)
It's not quite what I was expecting. To be honest. Because I wasn't expecting Trixie to be this mature. To be okay with her loss this time. I think this surprises her parents a bit too! I'm not sure I loved it. Not in the same way I loved the first one or the second. But I liked it.
The art--like always--is fabulous! My favorite illustration? Trixie in the bathtub! My favorite twist? Reading Trixie's "first letter." When you read the book--be sure to read this letter! It might be easy to miss.
Lindo, Elvira. 2010. Manolito Four-Eyes: The 3rd Volume of the Great Encyclopedia of My Life. Ill. by Emilio Urberuaga. Marshall Cavendish. (Advance Reader Copy)
Manolito Four-Eyes is a refreshing addition to the world of middle grade fiction. Set in Carabanchel, Spain, a suburb of Madrid, the Manolito Four-Eyes series, gives the American reader a hilarious glimpse into the life of a 10-year Spanish boy. While many aspects of young boyhood are universal - bullies, practical jokes, and general shenanigans, Manolito's adventures (or misadventures!) take place amidst a backdrop of
afternoon siestas,
Anyway, the Bozo and I began going down to Luisa's to watch cartoons while my grandpa and my mom snored in unison upstairs. We'd take off our shoes, we'd have a deadly cheese fight, and then we'd lay down to watch the cartoons. Since there were only two or three cartoons, after a week we knew them all by heart, and I could fall asleep halfway through and then wake up right before the end. I highly recommend this experience. You only need: a couch, a VCR, and a cartoon you've seen fifty times.
overly dramatic women,
"I can't live without you, my babies, my Cata, my grandpa Nicolas. . . . You're my real family." Our Nosy Neighbor Luisa took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped away a tear that none of us really saw. She must have wiped it away before it came out her eye. "Nothing is more silly than getting mad over a video, Cat, I want you to accept a Reconciliation Dinner next week." My mom wiped away her own invisible tear and said, "We'll be there." When Luisa left, my mom changed to her police inspector face and thought out loud, "I wonder what she wants me to do this time?"
and an outdoor fiesta for St. Peter's Day with grandpa,
The first ones in all of Carabanchel on the dance floor were my grandpa, me and the Bozo. I did it partly for the singer: it's sad when no one dances to the song you're singing. Luckily, by the third song other people started to dance, and I could go back to my place at the food stand and keep drinking Coke with Big Ears, who was sitting on one of the stools. Every once in a while, my grandpa and the Bozo would leave the dance floor and come over to have more Coke and "the usual." I don't know how many trips they made. There are some versions of the story that say ten - others, twelve. And the Bozo isn't even allowed to have Coke! ... What happened next is still being talked about it Carabanchel.
In this installment, Manolito's family is staying home for the summer, and while other families flee the city for vacation, Manolito notes that,
like every summer, we were the only ones left on this side of the Mazanares River... Summer in Carabanchel is like everywhere else in the world: there's a swimming pool, there's ice cream, there's siesta time, and there's a time when it's cool out. Me and my grandpa and the Bozo go down to Hangman's Park every afternoon, we buy a super-duper ice-cream cone, and we flop down on the bench until it gets dark and my grandpa says, "Your mom doesn't realize it, but there are times when we live like millionaires."
Yes, they do.
Manolito has the wry eye of a Greg Heffley, but a bit more of a
Jake. Audrey Couloumbis. 2010. September 2010. Random House. 176 pages.
"Joey Ziglar says it's boring, grocery shopping with his mom," I said. It was our usual Saturday afternoon trip to the store. "Lucky for you, I'm not Joey Ziglar's mom." "It's a little boring," I said. "Sometimes."
That Saturday morning trip to the grocery store doesn't stay routine. When Jake's mom slips on the ice and breaks her leg, well, Jake's life stops being ordinary. Jake's grandfather enters into the picture. This is the first opportunity--at least that Jake can remember--for the two to get to know one another. And while the situation is anything but ideal, much good does come from it!
I liked this one. It is a nice Christmas-themed, family-themed novel for young readers.
...Celebrating with Dad on Father’s Day by Marina Chernyak
Every father has a remarkable impact on his child’s life. He serves as a role model who contributes in molding his child into the person he/she will become. He is the real-life hero who, in the eyes of a little child, can make impossible things come to reality. He selflessly gives of himself, and leaves an imprint that will last a lifetime.
On this Father’s Day, you may be one of the millions who wish to pay tribute to this highly significant man in your life – your father. On that one special day, celebrate with your dad and take the opportunity to repay his unconditional love with your thoughtfulness.
So here are some valuable tips you may wish to consider in making that day memorable for your dad, and even for yourself.
GIVE A CARD - Whether you buy a card or make one for your dad, express your sentiments preferably in your own handwriting. Tell him plainly how much his is cherished through the years.
MAKE A SCRAPBOOK – You may also take time to make a scrapbook, with each page revealing how much you appreciate his presence in your life. Each picture shown and every word you write will surely touch his heart as he reminisce memories of the past spent with you.
CALL HIM – If dad is away, you can spare some time to give him a call. Ask him how he is doing, and tell him how he means to you as a father. Words don’t come easy to some, if not most, but surely you need to say them most especially to your dad.
BUY HIM A GIFT – Depending on your budget, you can buy dad a gift from a variety of choices – a new tie, a book, a music CD collection of his favorite artist, a leather belt, a new wallet, or any other personal items. A royal treatment at a spa is bonus gift for such wonderful head of the family, who make ends meet to provide for your needs. You may treat him and mom to dinner or buy them tickets to a movie.
DADDY’S DAY OUT – You and your siblings can take over your dad’s chores, so he can have a break from his tasks even for a day. You may spend some quiet time with him, walk with him in the park or go fishing with him. It is a refreshing experience as you both make new memories together.
GIVE HIM A FOOT RUB - Let your dad relax in front of the TV, sit comfortably on the couch, watch his favorite sport while you give him a foot massage.
BE AFFECTIONATE – Give him a hug, a kiss and the words “I Love You, Daddy.” Let him know how much he means to you.
Most dads are men of few words, but they are definitely men of action. They provide food on the table, watch you grow from a cute, clingy baby to an independent adult, celebrate your every triumph, and silently feel every pain and heartache you go through.
A heart filled with gratitude is expressed with thanksgiving, and your dad deserves your simple yet heartfelt “thank you.”
To all hardworking, loving and dedicated fathers, we, your children, salute you!
Marina Chernyak is the co-owner of 1001Shops LLC, a one stop shop of unique imported products like
2 Comments on Father's Day Week Continues..., last added: 6/14/2010
God Gave Us Love. Lisa Tawn Bergren. Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant. Waterbrook Press.
Little Cub struggles with loving in this family-friendly picture book. It's not always easy to love. Your family. Your friends. Your neighbors. There are many different kinds of love, Little Cub discovers through her questions, but God gave us love. And he wants us to show HIS love to others. Grampa Bear is doing the honors in this one of teaching Little Cub all about God and God's love and how we're supposed to love others because God first showed His love to us.
"Anytime we show love, Little Cub, we're sharing a bit of his love."
Larsen, Andrew. 2009. The Imaginary Garden. Illustrations by Irene Luxbacher. Kids Can Press.
The Imaginary Garden is charming and lovely and endearing. But not in a sickeningly sweet and syrupy way. I'm not saying that. I'm saying it in the feels-so-good-and-right-and-true way. Here's how it starts off: "Theo loved Poppa's old house. She loved Poppa's old garden. Poppa used to tell Theo all about the different flowers while they sat together under the maple tree." But Poppa isn't living in his old house. And his new apartment doesn't have a garden. But it does have a balcony. Can this grandfather-granddaughter team create a garden for the balcony? They just might if it's an "imaginary" one.
See this imaginary garden take shape as these two paint their way through spring and summer. As these two continue to spend time together, more than imaginary flowers will blossom.
This book is satisfying. It just feels good to read it. To witness such lovable characters come to life. The art by Irene Luxbacher is practically perfect. It adds just the right touch to this tale of love and hope and new life.
Great Idea, Hubby loves nothing more than having the girls tell him I Love You.
Thanks for stopping by :)