Bigmama's [Hardcover]

Donald Crews (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

When the train arrived in Cottondale, the summer at Bigmama's house in Florida began. Donald Crews brilliantly evokes the sights, sounds, and emotions of a memorable childhood experience. "A very special book by a superb artist and storyteller."--Horn Book.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Crews's first book in five years is a departure for this gifted author/artist, and a truly joyous celebration. In his dynamic tale of family togetherness, an African American man recalls boyhood summers spent at his grandmother's rural home in Florida. Each year the vacation began with an adventurous three-day train ride to Bigmama's ("Not that she was big, but she was Mama's mama") in Cottondale. The hot, hazy months that followed were filled with relatives, fishing and good times. A backyard coop "where Sunday dinner's chicken spent its last days," the barn and pond all begged to be explored by rambunctious visitors. Even the stars shone brighter in the night sky at this wondrous place. Like the title character so lovingly depicted within, the book's jacket is warm and enticing--vibrant, boldly outlined letters draw readers into a fragrant slice of Americana. Crews's rich earth tones perfectly portray the rustic life of this bygone era, while the lanky, barefoot children embody the relaxed--and utterly relaxing--freedom of summer. In the manner of exemplary works for children, Bigmama's works splendidly on more than one level. The evocative text provides plenty of action to interest younger readers and--for their parents--the nostalgic tone cannot fail to lovingly recall carefree days long past. Reality, in the form of a present-day metropolis viewed through a window, brings the story to an appropriate close, as the narrator, older and bearded, "even now" longs to recapture the essence of enchantment that was found at Bigmama's. Ages 4-up. (Oct.) .
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-- In this very appealing picture-book reminiscence, Crews invites readers to journey back to his childhood. Four African-American children and their mother travel by train to visit grandparents in a rural town. When the family reaches its destination, the children inspect each room of the house. Outside, they investigate the yard, the toolshed, the barn, the stable, and, finally, the pond. To their everlasting delight and satisfaction, they see that everything is "still the same." Crews departs from the graphic style employed so memorably in Freight Train (1978) and Parade (1983, both Greenwillow). His watercolor and goache illustrations are an attractive blend of simplicity and sophistication. His expertise is evident throughout. Characters are placed in their setting with utmost consideration, and are dressed in colors that create a sort of "warm rainbow" scattered about the farm and the happy household. This offering is intended for a somewhat older audience than Crews's earlier works, and will work well in classrooms. It is similar in mood and content to James Stevenson's When I Was Nine (Greenwillow, 1986) and Cynthia Rylant's When I Was Young in the Mountains (Dutton, 1982). A wonderful selection for family story times. --Eve Larkin, Chicago Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1 edition (October 23, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688099505
• ISBN-13: 978-0688099503
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 10.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,905,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A warm oportunity to reflect on special people and places., November 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Bigmama's (Hardcover)

Donald Crews departs from his usual simple text about such things as trucks and boats to share his childhood memories. The bold and colorful illustrations we usually find in his work are replaced by soft gentle colors and lines. Perhaps my endearment to this book stems from my own fond memories of riding the train back to my grandmother's home in Davenport, Iowa. Yet, there is more to this story than shared memories of days gone by. Even young children have memories of warm moments with someone special. As a first grade teacher I share this book with my students. It is a delight to see the special smiles that illuminate their faces, like the sweet smell of Spring, when they think of their special someone. For some children they think, like Crews, of grandma and her special cooking, for others their thoughts are of a visit to mom in a distant state. There thoughts are not meloncholy, like Crews, they are pleasant reminders of the treasures we find in each other.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Bigmama" is Big on the Heart, February 23, 2011

By 

Amy Steele "quirky mama" (Western NC, Land of the Mullets With Tails) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bigmama's (Paperback)

This book is a departure from the style of Crews' "Freight Train", "Truck", "Harbor"- you get the pic (sorry, pun not intended). Just a slow, easy jaunt into a day in the life of country livin' in the late 40's (?). Tells the tale of the train trip to Bigmama's and what the family can look foward to spending their summer days there. Gives a description of the house and farm, with small, interesting details ("Maude was friendly, but Nancy was a biter"- the horses at Bigmama's). You can feel the excitement of the family as they all sit down to a meal together, then end the first day on the farm perfectly with a stargazing session, dreaming about their future days. The last lines always bring a lump to my throat (trite, but true) as I remember my summer days spent at my Nagymama's (Hungarian for "grandmother") small motel right outside of Wildwood, NJ, and how my world now is less simple. I am not sure if the illustration of the adult Mr. Crews on the last page is of him looking at the Newark skyline...just a thought, but I can not confirm it. There is even a small photo of Mr. Crews at age six at Bigmama's on the back flap of the dustjacket, and I like that little personal touch of history. Watercolor and gouache paints were used for the full-color art (Greenwillow states that, just in case you are an art freak). A book that captures the simple life and brings ya back to earth.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Firsthand rural South experience!, January 14, 2010

By 

Reda Rountree (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bigmama's (Paperback)

I cannot believe I am only just now learning about Donald Crews! I currently live in Los Angeles, but spent the majority of my life in Cottondale, Florida (and nearby Chipley and Marianna). It took having children for me to discover Donald Crews and his fantastic books! It's a wonderful blessing to be able to read to your children about rural life in the South, and I feel particularly lucky to be able to say the author understands firsthand. Thank you, Mr. Crews!