"Unexcitable Gramps surprises everyone with a whopping tale of derring-do that proves there's life in the old boy yet. Stevenson's watercolors couldn't be better."--School Library Journal.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Grandpa's wildly exaggerated stories of his school days make his grandchildren feel better about their own. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
James Stevenson is an op-ed contributor to the New York Times. His popular column, "Lost and Found New York," has appeared regularly in the newspaper since 2003. He was on the staff of The New Yorker for more than three decades; his work includes 2,000 cartoons and 80 covers, as well as reporting and fiction. He is also the author and illustrator of over 100 children's books. He lives in Connecticut.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of James Stevenson's cleverest and most outrageous books, even though it follows a familiar formula: Once again, grandchildren Mary Ann and Louie visit their unflappable "Grandpa" with a problem, and he tells them a tall tale to put things into perspective--albeit a very wacky perspective! The kids complain of a splinter, a lost kite, and a flat tire, and Grandpa responds each time with the seemingly boring "Could be worse..." The two grandchildren think that this nonresponsive reply is due to the boring life Grandpa leads.
It's the perfect set-up for the signature Stevenson story, in which Grandpa matter-of-factly tells them about an incredible adventure he once had. (Often these stories involve his little brother Wainey, although he does not appear in this story). Grandpa, while eating breakfast with the kids, begins"
"Last night, when I was asleep, a large bird pulled me out of bed and took me for a long ride [the reader turns the page] and dropped me in the mountains." In this same unflappable style, Grandpa weaves together a story that includes an abominable snowman, a scaly beast who crushes him, a blob of marmalade (!) who chases him, a gigantic ostrich who kicks him into the sea, an "enormous goldfish," a safe refuge in a large cup, a "gigantic lobster," and a sea turtle who rescues him. Finally, he discovers a giant newspaper upon which he flies back home. He asks the kids "Now what do you think of that?" On the last page, they hug him and shout: "COULD BE WORSE!" By the way, on the next page, young hands had written in pencil "it could."
What's interesting here is how Stevenson's tone makes this all sound like it really happened, even though a dream is strongly implied. The vivid pictures (these are among Stevenson's best, he mixes rich pictures with other illustrations that display his more typical minimalist style), the detail, and the fun impossibility of it all make the reader "suspend" his or her incredulity. If you read enough of these books, these characters takes on a familiarity and warmth that make them seem like old friends.
One other great Stevenson touch: The "dream" is populated by beings and items seen as Grandpa eats breakfast and begins his story: His newspaper, orange marmalade, coffee cup-even the "giant something-or-other" resembles his dog, and the sea turtle resembles his toast. Spotting these correlates is more fun and sophisticated then finding "Waldo," and the smile on the family's faces (including the dog, of course) makes this both a fun and an endearing book. While one should never write in a book that one doesn't own, the writing I found suggested strongly that Stevenson (a renowned illustrator for the New Yorker, and the author of many excellent kids' books) had once again captivated his audience. Look for his many other books as well!
It's the perfect set-up for the signature Stevenson story, in which Grandpa matter-of-factly tells them about an incredible adventure he once had. (Often these stories involve his little brother Wainey, although he does not appear in this story). Grandpa, while eating breakfast with the kids, begins"
"Last night, when I was asleep, a large bird pulled me out of bed and took me for a long ride [the reader turns the page] and dropped me in the mountains." In this same unflappable style, Grandpa weaves together a story that includes an abominable snowman, a scaly beast who crushes him, a blob of marmalade (!) who chases him, a gigantic ostrich who kicks him into the sea, an "enormous goldfish," a safe refuge in a large cup, a "gigantic lobster," and a sea turtle who rescues him. Finally, he discovers a giant newspaper upon which he flies back home. He asks the kids "Now what do you think of that?" On the last page, they hug him and shout: "COULD BE WORSE!" By the way, on the next page, young hands had written in pencil "it could."
What's interesting here is how Stevenson's tone makes this all sound like it really happened, even though a dream is strongly implied. The vivid pictures (these are among Stevenson's best, he mixes rich pictures with other illustrations that display his more typical minimalist style), the detail, and the fun impossibility of it all make the reader "suspend" his or her incredulity. If you read enough of these books, these characters takes on a familiarity and warmth that make them seem like old friends.
One other great Stevenson touch: The "dream" is populated by beings and items seen as Grandpa eats breakfast and begins his story: His newspaper, orange marmalade, coffee cup-even the "giant something-or-other" resembles his dog, and the sea turtle resembles his toast. Spotting these correlates is more fun and sophisticated then finding "Waldo," and the smile on the family's faces (including the dog, of course) makes this both a fun and an endearing book. While one should never write in a book that one doesn't own, the writing I found suggested strongly that Stevenson (a renowned illustrator for the New Yorker, and the author of many excellent kids' books) had once again captivated his audience. Look for his many other books as well!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Amy Marshall
Format:Library Binding
As a child, this was one of my favorite books. As an adult, working in a daycare, I became frustrated with the books available to me and the lack of imagination I saw in many of the children. I found a copy of this book in the library and began reading it to the children daily. It was not only an instant hit but in no time I began to hear stories from them of wild dreams and exciting fanticies. They were just as inspired as I had been at their age. This is truly a timeless and imaginative story with the unique ability to teach both optimism and creativity.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book and "The Giving Tree" have always been 2 of my favorite children's books. The thing that makes them great is that the stories teach you valuable lessons at a very young age, that you never forget. I read this book in elementary school, and now at the age of 25 still think of it when things get bad, cuz they could ALWAYS be worse!!! My mom and I still refer to this book to this day, and now I'm buying it for my 5 year old nephew! I just hope he appreciates it as much as I do!!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous
Great book that I used with preschoolers and am now going to use with my middle schoolers. It always "could be worse."
Published 4 months ago by bfrankli
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just when you think it couldn't get any worse...
This book is awesome. I had it when I was a kid and always remembered it when someone said "It could be worse". Every page turn it gets worse for the main character. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Christopher Benson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book for kiddos or elders!
When I was in my early twenties, a wonderful mentor who had heard me bemoaning something or other gave me this book. Read more
Published 8 months ago by K. E. Solomon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book...
Before my son could even read, he memorized this book and could read it back to us in it's entirety, page by page. He loved this book. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Cordelia Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Could Be Worse!
I got this book as a kid and kept it at my Grandmother's house to read while I was there for the summer. Read more
Published on May 14, 2011 by Debbie Dobson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Could Be Worse!
"Could Be Worse!" is exactly what Grandpa always says. Every morning Grandpa has the same routine- eat marmalade toast and then read the paper. Read more
Published on April 12, 2011 by Jenltd
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still Good Advice
I received this book when I was a little girl. I remember reading it with my parents. The gist is that 2 children complain to their grandfather about their troubles. Read more
Published on December 17, 2010 by Lady Who Longs to be South of the Border
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great lesson!
We used to read this book to our daughters when they were children. Since we lost track of our original book, I decided that we needed a new copy to read to our... Read more
Published on December 26, 2009 by William E. Tipkemper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every child needs this book!
My children, now ages 34 and 37, were given this book as youngsters. Now I purchased for my grandkids. Great holiday gift, puts emphasis on family. Read more
Published on December 19, 2009 by P. Baker
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Fun Flight of Fancy
Nothing new ever happens at Grandfather's house, and his favorite response to everything is "Could be worse! Read more
Published on August 20, 2009 by Shanna A. Gonzalez
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