1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mr. Griggs' Work, October 7, 2000
Mr. Griggs Work:
Mr. Griggs' Work, by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Julie Downing, is an example of "true literature." Within this story there are "ideas that go beyond the plot of a...picture-book story...but they are presented subtly and gently; good books do not preach; their ideas are wound into the substance of the book and are clearly a part of the life of the book itself" (Norton 111). Rylant gives a portrait of a man who finds so much passion and love in his work as a postman, that it becomes all he can think of, even if he's sick or is on his day off. Her story "provides the child with a visual experience...[and is] a collective unity of story-line, theme, or concept, developed through a series of pictures" (Caldecott). The combination of Rylant's storyline and Downing's pictures, creates this unity and takes children into the life of Mr. Griggs, where they realize his passion and love for his work.
Norton tells us that "children want a book to have a good plot: enough action, excitement, suspense, and conflict to develop interest" (113). In Mr. Griggs' Work, children are given a plot where excitement is created out of what seems a non-exciting profession. Rylant does this through her use of characterization. Mr. Griggs is describes as someone who "loves his job...[and who thinks] about it almost all the time" (Rylant 4). Downing's pictures draw us towards this man and we fall in love with his rosy cheeks and classic blue overalls. "Characterization is one of the most powerful of the literary elements...an author can achieve...a three dimensional character by describing their characters physical appearance, recording the conversations of the character, revealing the characters thoughts, revealing the perceptions of other characters and showing the character in action" (Norton 121). We see the warm reception of Mr. Griggs after his sick day, we hear his thoughts as he remises about times at work, we are shown his curly hair on his balding head and his sweet smile, and we watch him at work giving all he can to his profession as a postman. Rylant and Downing collaborate to do all of this, in order to create a character, which defines the plot, which makes the story that we fall in love with.
The setting of this picture book "create[s] moods that add credibility to characters and plot" (Norton 123). Its themes are interlaced with this setting and tie "the plot, characters, and setting together into a meaningful whole" (Norton 127). More importantly children can understand and relate to these themes. More so than adults, children have passion, passion to play, passion to love, and passion to live. Mr. Griggs has all of these things, and because of that, allows children to relate to him. For a child to see such respect and passion given to a profession leads them to what they love. Children may view jobs like being a postman as less than desirable. However, when authors like Cynthia Rylant put a face to the profession, children will be itching to do not what makes the most money or sounds the best, but instead what makes them happy. These kinds of life lessons, which are hidden underneath the story of a postman, are essential for all children to learn.
Mr. Griggs Work is written with the knowledge that "children are [its] potential audience" (Caldecott). Its writing is simplistic while its drawings are in-depth. The writing of Rylant leads us into the pictures of Downing, which span across the page and tell the story inside of the story. We see every detail in the post office where Mr. Griggs works. From his scale, to his cushy green chair, we are given the atmosphere which we grow to love as much as Mr. Griggs does. Norton reminds us that books must be accessible for all children to read them. With this accessibility they can "gain knowledge of their heritage, recognize and appreciate good literature, and understand themselves and others through literature" (Norton 133). This accessibility is not simply reached by providing a child with a book, but instead, providing them with a book that they can read without struggling, understand without searching, and enjoy without reservation. Mr. Griggs' Work accomplishes all of this and more with its vivid illustrations and fitting text.
It is said that "children are the ultimate critics of what they read" (Norton 137). The Caldecott Award steps away from that ideal and sets up criteria for adults to judge children's books by. However, it reminds those who judge that the children are the audience, and that for a book to be considered for such a prestigious award, it must "display respect for children's understanding, abilities, and appreciations" (Caldecott). Mr. Griggs' Work shows that respect and gives a story that children can not only understand but also learn from. Reading is only worthwhile if it teaches, in some cases it teaches us how to write, in others, how to read; in the case of Mr. Griggs it teaches us passion and love of profession.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
