Great Grandmother's Treasure [Hardcover]

Ruth Hickcox (Author), David Soman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

When Great-Grandmother is born, a bluebird sings--and the song remains in her heart always. Whether she's a girl of six setting a rabbit free with a hug or a great-grandmother throwing mud-puddle parties in the spring, she fills her life to the brim, and even manages to collect a secret treasure along the way. But just what is the treasure, and who will be lucky enough to find it? Full-color illustrations in watercolor and pastel.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Hickcox chronicles the life of a woman by offering glimpses of her as a child, young wife, mother, and grandmother. As a great-grandmother, she marvels that "...inside I am still exactly me." Through the years, she tells her husband and offspring that some day the numerous pockets on a raggedy apron she has made will be filled with treasures. At her death, no one can see what has stuffed the seemingly empty pockets because the treasures are "the things she had given away" such as cookies, smiles, stories, and games. Soman's illustrations are more successful in depicting static scenes than in capturing movement. Great-grandfather's facial structure evolves more believably through the aging process than does his wife's. Hickcox's intent to demonstrate to children that their elders were once young is admirable in theory but problematic in execution. Besides the difficulty in incorporating abstract concepts noted above, some of the repeated phrases add a stilted quality to the text. This is a very sentimental journey.
Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This sentimental story of a woman's life begins with her birth and ends with her death. In between, the reader discovers a caring, giving person who delights in making other people happy. As a young bride, she sews an apron with many pockets that someday she will fill with "special treasure." Her apron becomes famous among her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for always having empty pockets. But that's not the truth. All those pockets are filled with the gifts she gave away--smiles, cookies, "ghost stories and Mud Puddle Soup." Soman's paintings, done in watercolor and pastels, have a nostalgic quality that matches the text. This may have more appeal for adults than children. However, at the right time, this picture book for older readers may help children get a new perspective on the adults in their lives and how those adults always carry their own inner child. Kathy Broderick

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803715137
• ISBN-13: 978-0803715134
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,046,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for parents and teachers!!!, August 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Great Grandmother's Treasure (Hardcover)

This is one beautiful book!!! I am a children's storyreader who travels all over the East coast. This book will be one of my featured books this year. I will have to rehearse this book well so that I can read it without a lump in my throat. Ruth Hickcox's words are so poignant and David Soman's illustrations are so beautifully timely that this book will be one of my all time favorites !! Jim McKenna,STORYREADER

5.0 out of 5 stars heartwarming, joyful, sad and lovely, September 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Great Grandmother's Treasure (Hardcover)

My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It brings warmth to your heart and tears to your eyes. Anyone who has been lucky enough to have a greatgrandmother will appreciate how wonderful it is. The author is as warmhearted as the greatgrandmother and as loved.