Supergrandpa

by David M. Schwartz, Bert Dodson (Illustrator)

Overview

Gustaf Håkansson was sixty-six years old. In 1951, he was barred from joining the Tour of Sweden due to his age. He participated unofficially, riding his bicycle over 1,000 miles and, to the delight of his countrymen, finished first. Award-winning children's author David M. Schwartz calls him "Super Grandpa" and brings his historic bike ride to life.

(Contains the author's narration on audio CD and FREE audio download)

Schwartz's zesty narration, enhanced by sound effects and Swedish fiddle music, will captivate listeners ages 4 and up. Older audiences too will cherish this story of a figure who shattered stereotypes about the elderly, and inspired generations to pursue their dreams.

• Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
• Smithsonian's Notable Books for Children
• Film Advisory Board Award for Excellence
• Junior Library Guild Selection (Spanish edition)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781889910338
Publisher:	Tortuga Press
Publication date:	10/28/2005
Edition description:	Second Edition, Second edition
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	600L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

David M. Schwartz is the author of numerous books, including the award-winning math titles How Much Is a Million?, G is for Googol and If You Hopped Like a Frog. When he is not speaking at schools and libraries around the U.S. and abroad, he can sometimes be seen on his bicycle, climbing the hills near his home in Oakland, CA. 

Editorial Reviews

"This title will be especially appropriate for intergenerational audiences, and is a good reminder that we all have dreams, regardless of age. The CD includes a fine rendition of a Swedish waltz. This timeless, meaningful tale will delight listeners and should be considered an essential purchase.” —School Library Journal

"Schwartz brings out the story’s inherent drama, nicely enhanced in Dodson’s watercolors, where the white-bearded biker is affectionately characterized and his setting carefully evoked." —Kirkus Reviews

“A classic children’s book…should pedal its way onto the bookshelves of both grandparents and grandchildren.” —UPI Arts & Entertainment

“Supergrandpa shattered stereotypes of the elderly and showed people how to make dreams come true, and this is the spirit of the book. Dodson’s watercolors in double-page spreads capture the event, spurring the reader to root for the old guy, a man who certainly earned his folk-hero status." —Booklist

"Schwartz, the author of the popular How Much Is a Million?, is witty and deft. The watercolors are the next best thing to a week in the Scandinavian countryside and a bowl of lingonberries." —Smithsonian Notable Books for Children

From the Publisher

K-Gr 3-- Based on a true story, this book dispels many stereotypes about the elderly. When a 1,000-mile bicycle race is scheduled across his native Sweden, Gustaf Hakansson, 66, enters. Rejected by the race officials because of his age, he becomes even more determined to participate, cycling 600 miles to the starting point. He finishes the race ahead of the other competitors, but is denied the first-place trophy because of his unofficial status. Nevertheless, Gustaf wins the hearts of the spectators, who affectionately name him ``Supergrandpa.'' The restrained text effectively underscores Gustaf's spirit. An endnote explains more about the real ``Supergrandpa,'' who lived to be 102. Dodson's large, realistic watercolors add immensely to the upbeat tone. Dodson's ability to project different moods through various uses of light and shadow is especially good. Spreads executed in a palette ranging from earthy browns to chilly blues capture the changing scenery of the man's journey, and the fairly large format and clear narrative make the book suitable both for sharing aloud and independent reading. The unusual title may snare some readers, but the crisp language and compelling pictures will keep them involved in this heart-warming tale. --Denise Anton Wright, Library Book Selection Service, Inc., Bloomington, IL

School Library Journal