Helen E. Buckley

I rated this book slightly higher than its cousin (Grandmother and I), but that's mostly because I like books about taking walks, slowing down and being outside. This book shares a child's attachment to her grandfather because he takes time to go her speed, and packs a gentle reminder for the grownups to slow down and enjoy. I think that choosing to slow down and espouse less is more is tantamount to a quiet rebellion, given that everything seems to scream for us to be efficient producers show more of, well, nearly everything. This grandfather has most likely worked hard and climbed his ladders, corporate or otherwise. He returns with the child to savor the simplest of life's pleasures. I'm encouraged not to wait till I'm 68 or 70 to do this. I can do it now. In the present. And if that means living in a smaller house and working fewer hours so that I can caress a crepe myrtle, so be it. Oy but the social security crisis is looming.

(all these musings from a simple children's book. such a world!) show less

High on a hill is an old monastery. Inhabited by only a few monks, locals wonder if anyone lives there. Children who build a bright orange kite, dare to travel up to the monastery to fly their kite.

Flying the kite all day, they yank the kite to swiftly and it becomes entwined in the high branches. Seeing the kite from their lonely monastery window, the monks devise a way to save the kite.

Flying the kite elicits childhood memories. They decide to build a blue kite in the hope the children show more will return. Soon, the sky is filled with many colored kites and peals of laughter. show less

A very endearing reminder that grandmother's laps are best. I am reminded of my own grandmother who had a rocking chair in the kitchen. She always had a paring knife and fruit or potatoes and she cut in counterpoint to the rhythm of the chair.

Young children can, I think, easily see from the child's perspective from which this book is written. Older readers may feel nostalgia for departed grandmothers. I like the way that grandmother's laps are contrasted with other peoples, thereby show more highlighting their virtues. show less

I do love a nice book on grandparents. This is a lovely story illustrating the joys found in taking your time, and experiencing and re-experiencing the every day joys around you.