The Stars in My Geddoh's Sky [Paperback]

Claire Sidhom Matze (Author), Bill Farnsworth (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Maitze offers a touching story for any grandchild and grandparent who are separated by distance. "Geddoh" means grandfather in Arabic, and Alex's Geddoh has come to America from the Middle East for a long-awaited visit. Geddoh shares many stories about his homeland and he and Alex grow close. So when it's time for Geddoh to leave, he shows Alex something in the night sky that they can share even when they're apart--a beautiful constellation. Full color.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-In this thinly plotted book, Alex relates what happens when his Geddoh (Arabic for grandfather) comes to the United States for a lengthy stay. Geddoh brings presents, shares knowledge about his Mediterranean homeland with his grandson, and spends happy days with him. All too soon, his visit draws to an end, but Geddoh reminds Alex that they will always share the sparkling canopy of the night sky. The writing is commonplace and not without clich?s. The illustrations, muted oils on linen, are usually opposed by boxed text on the left but sometimes cover an entire spread. They are somewhat static and monotonous. For a much richer look at a similar culture, give children Naomi Shihab Nye's Sitti's Secrets (Four Winds, 1994), in which a little girl visits her Palestinian grandmother on the West Bank.
Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

A summertime visit from his grandfather reveals to a young boy the history of his ancestry. When Alex first meets his grandfather, or geddoh, he is anxious. However, they soon develop a close rapport as his grandfather tells him about life across the sea. Geddoh shows Alex some of the customs of his Middle Eastern culture: making a traditional noontime meal, the five daily calls to prayer. In turn Alex teaches his grandfather a bit of American culture, such as playing baseball. Alex may be distraught when the visit ends, but Geddoh promises that they can share the majesty of the evening sky even while they are far apart. ``Your sky, your moon, your stars are mine, too, habibi, my dear. And as you look up . . . my thoughts will fly to you.'' Farnsworth's graceful oil illustrations are done in muted pastels, portraying the images in a soft focus. Matze's lyrical descriptions of Geddoh's homeland paint a vivid picture of a remote culture; within the poignant tale of a young boy's deepening relationship with his grandfather is a powerful message of the enduring nature of a love that cannot be diminished by time or space. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807576107
• ISBN-13: 978-0807576106
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,874,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My children loved it., March 15, 2006

By 

M. H. Fayad "Mideast/Midwest" (Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stars in My Geddoh's Sky (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) (Hardcover)

We read this book over and over when my boys were smaller. Even if a child's grandparent is just one state over and not separated by an ocean, children miss their grandparents. To have the reinforcement that the stars they see are the same ones that their grandparents see is a comfort. My sons loved to see how the grandfather and grandson worked together to make a meal and commented that both the grandfather and grandson would miss the other. The story is sweet and simple, making it wonderful book for bedtime reading. The pictures are soft and gentle. The pictures of the American beach were nice to compare to the pictures of the Egyptian countryside.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, May 7, 2006

By 

Nina Birks - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stars in My Geddoh's Sky (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) (Hardcover)

This book reveals the inner thoughts and feelings of those we hold close. It is thought provocing - and hits a chord with children, and adults alike - that you never really loose touch with those that mean alot to you...they are there and always will be. Thank you Claire for your insight.