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.
From Kirkus Reviews
Beginning with the ride on the old Southern Railway car (``colored'' says the sign on the wall), the sights, sounds, and warm delights of a summer visit to Grandma in Crews's own childhood--a three-day trip from somewhere up north. Lovingly, Crews explores the old homestead through the eyes of the four returning kids; though light comes from a kerosene lamp, and water from the well, Grandma's place is spacious and well kept, and there's a barn, a stable, eggs to look for, and ``plenty of water for fishing and swimming.'' Best, the whole family gathers- -''We talked so much we hardly had time to eat.'' Crews captures both the children's joy and enthusiasm and his own nostalgia in a nicely understated text and, especially, in his wonderfully evocative illustrations. Adopting a more realistic style than he used in his two Caldecott Honor books, Crews nicely accommodates the many period details with a subtle palette that emphasizes browns and greens to convey a richly sensory experience. A grand alternative to the plethora of predictable books about white kids visiting grandparents on stereotypical family farms. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Review
“A rich sensory experience.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A loving tribute to memories that defy the passage of time.” -- Booklist (starred review)
“For millions of kids, summertime means visits with grandparents. They’ll relate to this autobiographical book, in which the author recalls his annual stays at his grandparents’ farm in Cottondale, Fla., in the 1940s and ‘50s.” (in the article “6 Standout Picture Books About Kids and Their Grandparents”) -- Brightly
From the Back Cover
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.
About the Author
Donald Crews is the renowned creator of many celebrated children's books, including the Caldecott Honor Books Freight Train and Truck. He and his wife, Ann Jonas, live in New York's Hudson River Valley.
