This article originally appeared in the March-April 2000 issue of the Children's Advocate newsmagazine, published by Action Alliance for Children.

BOOKBASKET

Elders and kids

By Ben Peterson

Children's literature explores many dimensions of the bond between children and the elderly

Children's literature is full of touching and brilliant stories involving children and their elders. From Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where Charlie follows the guidance of his grandfather, to Dr. Seuss' The Butter Battle Book, in which the grandfather teaches his grandson the misguided history of the Yooks and the Zooks, grandparents and other older wise souls connect children to their past, symbolize tradition, and offer sage advice. Authors use these relationships to celebrate the circle of life, the customs of the past, and the promise of youth. In these eight books, children relish the times they spend with their elders, cherish their stories, and treasure their wisdom.

When I Am Old with You, story by Angela Johnson, illustrations by David Soman. In this touching story celebrating the relationship between grandson and grandfather, a young boy imagines the things he will do with his granddaddy when he is old with him. Johnson's warm narrative and Soman's expressive watercolors show significant times the grandson has spent with his grandfather—sitting on the porch swatting flies, cooking only bacon for breakfast, and perusing old pictures that sometimes made them cry. This story can spark family discussions of cherished shared experiences. Ages four to eight. (Orchard Books, 1990)

Knots on a Counting Rope, story by Bill Martin and John Archambault, illustrations by Ted Rand. "Tell me the story again, Grandfather. Tell me who I am." Despite knowing the story by heart, a young Native American boy implores his grandfather to retell the story of the day he was born. The grandfather relates this poignant, heroic, and emotional account of the birth and childhood of his blind grandson and the challenges he has overcome. Using metaphors to teach his grandson to see through the darkness, the grandfather describes blue as the morning, sunrise as the song of the birds, and the passage of time as the knots on a counting rope. Listening to the account of his life, the boy begins to realize that although his grandfather will not always be there, his love will be. Ages five to 10. (Henry Holt & Company Inc., 1987)

Mrs. Katz and Tush, story and illustrations by Patricia Polacco. Larnel, a young African American boy, initiates a lifelong friendship with Mrs. Katz when he gives the Jewish widow a scrawny kitten named Tush. As their friendship develops, Mrs. Katz teaches Larnel the customs and traditions of Judaism, tells him stories about her late husband Myron, and shows him how they danced in the old country. Larnel helps Mrs. Katz take care of Tush and recover from her loss of Myron. Polacco's heartwarming descriptions and vibrant illustrations show the dances, prayers, celebrations, and worries that fill this unique friendship, which blossoms despite differences in age, culture, and race. Ages five to 10. (Bantam Little Reader Book, 1992)

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, story by Mem Fox, illustrations by Julie Vivas. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge loves to spend time with the old folks at the nursing home next door to his house. He enjoys different things about each of its residents, but most of all he likes swapping secrets with Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper, who, like him, has four names. When he hears his parents lamenting that Miss Cooper has lost her memory, Wilfrid devises a unique plan to bring it back. Fox's rhythmic prose and Vivas' whimsical watercolors make this affectionate story about a boy's special connection with his elderly neighbors as enjoyable to read for parents as it is for children. Ages five to 10. (Kane/Miller Book Publisher, 1995)

The Wednesday Surprise, story by Eve Bunting, illustrations by Donald Carrick. Grandma and Anna, who Grandma says is "only seven years old and smart as paint already," are planning a surprise for Anna's dad's birthday. Every Wednesday, Grandma lugs her heavy cloth bag across town to Anna's house and they work together for hours on the surprise. When the birthday finally arrives, Grandma and Anna astound the family with the best gift of the night. Bunting continues a career of writing thought-provoking children's books with this story about the loving relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter and the pride they associate with learning to read. After reading this book, it's fun to discuss the surprise ending and the issues it raises. Ages five to 10. (Clarion Books, 1989)

Miss Tizzy, story by Libba Moore Gray, illustrations by Jada Rowland. Adult neighbors think that eccentric Miss Tizzy with her purple hat and disorderly garden is peculiar, but the neighborhood kids love her colorful clothes and sweet charm. Every day of the week, they visit Miss Tizzy to bake cookies, play with puppets, make music, or just stare at the stars. When Miss Tizzy gets sick and the doctor looks serious, the children work together to try to make her feel better. Gray's heartfelt story celebrates the bond of understanding and love between children and the elderly. Rowland enlivens the narrative with soft, often-amusing watercolor depictions of eccentric Miss Tizzy and the multicultural group of children. Ages four to eight. (Aladdin Paperbacks, 1993)

Miz Berlin Walks, story by Jane Yolen, illustrations by Floyd Cooper. Everyday, no matter what the weather, Mary Louise watches Miz Berlin, the oldest woman she's ever seen, walk by her house talking to herself. Despite being scared that Miz Berlin might be "crazy," Mary begins one day to follow her and is immediately immersed in the wonderful world of Miz Berlin's imaginative storytelling. From then on, she looks forward to her walks with Miz Berlin and her block-long tales of raining feathers, pirate ships, and her own "hardscrabble" birth. When Miz Berlin dies, Mary learns to deal with the loss of her friend by cherishing her memory. Cooper's oil-wash paintings pull the reader into the magical world of Miz Berlin's stories. Yolen's story reveals how a young girl's open mind and understanding are rewarded by a beautiful, albeit unlikely, friendship with a seemingly crazy old lady. For ages four to 10 years. (Philomel Books, 1997)

My Grandpa and the Sea, story and illustrations by Katherine Orr. Lila lives on the island of St. Lucia with her grandfather, who works as a fisherman. Teaching her the ways of the heart and the sea, her grandfather himself must learn how to cope in the new world of commercial fishing boats that deprive the sea of fish. As the girl observes her grandfather, she learns valuable lessons of respect and tradition. Orr's story celebrates the link grandparents have to the past and their importance to their grandchildren. Ages four to eight. (Carolrhoda Books, 1990)

What do YOU think? Give us your feedback.