| Grandfather's Wrinkles Written by Kathryn England Illustrated by Richard McFarland |
Awards and Reviews
* Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year 2008 - starred for Outstanding Merit
* selected as an Accelerated Reader book
from School Library Journal
When Lucy asks her grandfather why he has "crinkles" on his face, he explains, "Whenever I smiled an especially big smile, I got a wrinkle to
show for it." As the girl points to each crease, Granddad recounts the occasion that caused it: the day he married Grandma, the day Lucy's
mom was born, memories from her childhood, Lucy's parents' wedding, and Lucy's birth. Done in colored pencil, watercolor, and pastel,
McFarland's rich, realistic illustrations convey the loving relationship between grandparent and grandchild. The wordless spreads flashing back
to Granddad's special memories are particularly moving, skillfully depicting the passing of time and showing how he has aged since his wedding.
Children will enjoy sharing this lovely picture book with grandparents, who are likely to be inspired to recount the memories that created their
own wrinkles.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL
from Children's Literature
In her first picture book, Kathryn England has created a warm interchange of family history between a grandfather and his young granddaughter.
When Lucy asks about all the "crinkles" in Granddad's face, he responds by tracking each of his many wrinkles to a happy past event. He
begins with the memory of his own marriage, goes on to stories about Lucy's mamma as a little girl, and ends with the culminating joy of Lucy's
own arrival in the family. The faces in McFarland's illustration are created in his trademark photo-realist style—in fact, it looks as if he might
have used pictures of himself from the family album to depict Granddad. After reading this book in the class, a kindergarten or primary class
might be offered an assignment to go home and ask about the weddings and births that brought joy to each child's own family. Families could be
invited to make up a poster, using their own photos as illustrations.
from The Dr. Laura Live Talk Show
Read the full review of Grandfather's Wrinkles by Dr. Laura Schlessinger here.
from The Baton Rouge Advocate, March 2, 2008
Children are often inquisitive when it comes to older peple, how they walk, talk, and most visibly, all those wrinkles. Author England has a
sweet way of explaining away Granddad's wrinkles to little Lucy. When Lucy asks why Granddad's skin doesn't fit anymore, granddad says it's
because he's lived a long time and each time he smiled an especially big smile, he got a wrinkle. Like when he married Grandma, or when his
daughter was born, and then when she married. The biggest, newest wrinkle didn't arrive until the day his granddaughter did, he explains.
Touching illustrations of the interaction between Granddad and Lucy only add to the sweetness of this book, which would make a great gift for
your grandchildren. --Judy Bergeron
from Betty Dravis, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer
Flashlight Press has some of the most original, read-aloud children's picture books on the market, books that teach family values while
highlighting bonds between family members in such heart-warming fashion that both you and your children will continue smiling long after the
books are closed.
Grandfather's Wrinkles by gifted author Kathryn England is about a loving relationship between a little girl named Lucy and her grandfather.
Lucy gets more than she bargains for when she questions her grandfather about his "crinkles."
You and your young children will be as enchanted as Lucy when grandfather takes advantage of this opportunity to teach his beloved
granddaughter some family history ... in a subtle, charming way, reminiscent of when storytelling was an art. After explaining that he got the
wrinkles from laughing, he proceeds to tell her of the joyous events in the family ... from the time of his own wedding to grandmother all the way
down to Lucy's birth.
As much as Lucy was captivated by these heart-warming stories, your children will be even more so because they have the added advantage
of "viewing" these special events through cheerful, creative illustrations by talented artist Richard McFarland. His illustrations are so realistic they
appear to be photographs, and he stays true to the various time periods with authentic details.
Even though Grandfather's Wrinkles is meant to be shared between grandparents and grandchildren, all family members will enjoy this book.
Reading this book made me feel as though I had been given a warm, wonderful hug. And when Devon is old enough for me to read it to him, I
know I'll get more than one hug.
END-NOTE: I discovered FLASHLIGHT PRESS in 2004 when they first started publishing books for children, aged 4-8. I read some of
the books to children at the local library, but just recently came across them again. I've read and reviewed several of their picture books, and
my goal is to review as many of them as possible. Their editor seems to keep her finger on the pulse of what children enjoy reading/hearing.
from ForeWord Magazine
Writers from Horace to Archibald Macleish have pondered whether literature’s main function is to delight or to instruct readers. Assuming the
answer lies somewhere in between, this year’s crop of children’s books yields some delightful ways to instruct on a wide variety of topics....
Books that teach moral and emotional lessons certainly fall within any rubric extolling the poetic imitation of life. Six thought-provoking stories
address the nuances of human interactions on a variety of reading levels....Australian author Kathryn England’s sweet story, Grandfather’s
Wrinkles provides an uplifting addition to stories about intergenerational love. Granddad tells Lucy that each of his wrinkles represents a warm
family memory or experience. There’s the wrinkle that appeared on the day when Lucy’s mother, still a child, met a baby goat that nibbled on
her clothing, and the day when Lucy herself arrived in the world. Completely child-centered, this evocative story is colorfully rendered in pastel,
pencil, and watercolor by grandfather Richard McFarland; the author is also a grandparent.
from Ithaca Child
First-time picture book author Kathryn England and illustrator Richard McFarland are familiar with smile-wrinkles and the life experiences that
cause them. Grandfather's Wrinkles is about just that. One day Lucy climbs onto her grandfather's lap and asks, "Why doesn't your skinfit you
anymore, Granddad? It's al crinkly!" Granddad answers by explaining that "Those crinkles are called wrinkles. Whenever I smiled an especially
big smile, I got a wrinkle to show fo rit." He proceeds to recount the special moments in his life, from his wedding day, to the birth of his
daughter, funny moments in her childhood, her wdding, and finally, Lucy's own birth. The grandfather gently shares his memories, illustrated by
strikingly realistic watercolor, pastel, and colored pencil paintings. The connection between Lucy and her grandfather is touching and genuine,
causing this book to exude warmth and love.
from My Shelf.com
Flashlight Press has a small line of books. They are all gorgeous so I look forward to seeing each new book. Grandfather's Wrinkles definitely
didn't disappoint.
The story begins with a little girl scrambling into her grandfather's lap to ask why his skin is "crinkly." Her grandfather explains how wrinkles
come from all the wonderful things in his life which made him smile - then as the child asks about specific wrinkles, the grandfather shares the
wonderful things which gave him joy.
It's a strongly touching book for adults and a warm hug for young children. The grandfather's stories are full of big moments like weddings and
births, but the author slips in little things too like funny moments in his child's life - I especially liked how it illustrated that what seems a common
day can become a lifetime memory. It was fun to watch the grandfather age - the change in hairstyles alone made me smile.
The colorful drawings illustrating the book are full of charming detail, especially in the grandfather / granddaughter scenes which glow with the
love between the characters in them. Falling autumn leaves, the charming picket fence, the cocker spaniel's wistful gaze, the play of light and
breeze on the child's hair - all combine to make the book a cozy treat for read-aloud time. --Jan Fields
from Lane Book Review Program - 5 stars
Grandfather’s Wrinkles is a heartwarming read-aloud picture book about the bonds of family. When a little girl named Lucy asks her granddad
what caused the lines on his face, he tells her about the memorable and joyous events in his life that each resulted in a new wrinkle. “Whenever
I smiled an especially big smile, I got a wrinkle to show for it.” From his wedding day, to the day Lucy's mother was born, to his newest
wrinkle marking Lucy's birth, Grandfather's Wrinkles is a journey through the happy moments of life. The descriptive writing is beautifully
complimented by the pastel colored pencil and watercolor illustrations. Evocative of the nostalgic tone of I'll Love You Forever, this book is
certain to appeal to children, parents and grandparents. This well-bound hardback is a 5-star book.
from Midwest Book Review
Grandfather's Wrinkles is an enchanting children's picturebook about the bonds of family. When a little girl named Lucy asks her grandad where
the wrinkles in his face came from, he tells her about the joyous events in his life that brought about each wrinkle. "Whenever I smiled an
especially big smile, I got a wrinkle to show for it." From his wedding day, to the day Lucy's mother was born, to his daughter's wedding day,
to the last two wrinkles - the very newest - that came when Lucy was born, Grandfather's Wrinkles is a trip through the wonderful and happy
moments of life. A heartwarming read-aloud picturebook meant to be shared between grandparents and grandchildren.
from School Counselor Barbara Gruener
It's been said that "every cloud has a silver lining" and "hidden in every complaint, there's a compliment." Might it follow, then, that every wrinkle
holds a treasured memory?
Welcome the October 2007 Flashlight Press release, Grandfather's Wrinkles by Kathryn England, whose answer to this question is an
unequivocal YES!
In this heartwarming dialogue between Granddad and his granddaughter Lucy, the lost art of storytelling emerges as the vehicle whereby the
elder recounts the happy events behind his every wrinkle. This intergenerational story puts a positive spin on the aging process, sending the
message that it's important to appreciate, reflect upon, and enjoy one's journey through life. Its beautiful scrapbook-style illustrations by Richard
McFarland enhance and enrich the tale. At a time when communicating by laptop is all but replacing sitting and visiting atop a lap, this
newcomer offers a refreshingly creative way to trip down Memory Lane. I found myself yearning for more lap-time with my own grandparents.
Do yourself a favor: find a lap, connect with someone special, share this book aloud, and get ready to pass along a few wrinkles of your own.
from the Northwest Herald (August 1, 2007)
* Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year 2008 - starred for Outstanding Merit
* selected as an Accelerated Reader book
from School Library Journal
When Lucy asks her grandfather why he has "crinkles" on his face, he explains, "Whenever I smiled an especially big smile, I got a wrinkle to
show for it." As the girl points to each crease, Granddad recounts the occasion that caused it: the day he married Grandma, the day Lucy's
mom was born, memories from her childhood, Lucy's parents' wedding, and Lucy's birth. Done in colored pencil, watercolor, and pastel,
McFarland's rich, realistic illustrations convey the loving relationship between grandparent and grandchild. The wordless spreads flashing back
to Granddad's special memories are particularly moving, skillfully depicting the passing of time and showing how he has aged since his wedding.
Children will enjoy sharing this lovely picture book with grandparents, who are likely to be inspired to recount the memories that created their
own wrinkles.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL
from Children's Literature
In her first picture book, Kathryn England has created a warm interchange of family history between a grandfather and his young granddaughter.
When Lucy asks about all the "crinkles" in Granddad's face, he responds by tracking each of his many wrinkles to a happy past event. He
begins with the memory of his own marriage, goes on to stories about Lucy's mamma as a little girl, and ends with the culminating joy of Lucy's
own arrival in the family. The faces in McFarland's illustration are created in his trademark photo-realist style—in fact, it looks as if he might
have used pictures of himself from the family album to depict Granddad. After reading this book in the class, a kindergarten or primary class
might be offered an assignment to go home and ask about the weddings and births that brought joy to each child's own family. Families could be
invited to make up a poster, using their own photos as illustrations.
from The Dr. Laura Live Talk Show
Read the full review of Grandfather's Wrinkles by Dr. Laura Schlessinger here.
from The Baton Rouge Advocate, March 2, 2008
Children are often inquisitive when it comes to older peple, how they walk, talk, and most visibly, all those wrinkles. Author England has a
sweet way of explaining away Granddad's wrinkles to little Lucy. When Lucy asks why Granddad's skin doesn't fit anymore, granddad says it's
because he's lived a long time and each time he smiled an especially big smile, he got a wrinkle. Like when he married Grandma, or when his
daughter was born, and then when she married. The biggest, newest wrinkle didn't arrive until the day his granddaughter did, he explains.
Touching illustrations of the interaction between Granddad and Lucy only add to the sweetness of this book, which would make a great gift for
your grandchildren. --Judy Bergeron
from Betty Dravis, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer
Flashlight Press has some of the most original, read-aloud children's picture books on the market, books that teach family values while
highlighting bonds between family members in such heart-warming fashion that both you and your children will continue smiling long after the
books are closed.
Grandfather's Wrinkles by gifted author Kathryn England is about a loving relationship between a little girl named Lucy and her grandfather.
Lucy gets more than she bargains for when she questions her grandfather about his "crinkles."
You and your young children will be as enchanted as Lucy when grandfather takes advantage of this opportunity to teach his beloved
granddaughter some family history ... in a subtle, charming way, reminiscent of when storytelling was an art. After explaining that he got the
wrinkles from laughing, he proceeds to tell her of the joyous events in the family ... from the time of his own wedding to grandmother all the way
down to Lucy's birth.
As much as Lucy was captivated by these heart-warming stories, your children will be even more so because they have the added advantage
of "viewing" these special events through cheerful, creative illustrations by talented artist Richard McFarland. His illustrations are so realistic they
appear to be photographs, and he stays true to the various time periods with authentic details.
Even though Grandfather's Wrinkles is meant to be shared between grandparents and grandchildren, all family members will enjoy this book.
Reading this book made me feel as though I had been given a warm, wonderful hug. And when Devon is old enough for me to read it to him, I
know I'll get more than one hug.
END-NOTE: I discovered FLASHLIGHT PRESS in 2004 when they first started publishing books for children, aged 4-8. I read some of
the books to children at the local library, but just recently came across them again. I've read and reviewed several of their picture books, and
my goal is to review as many of them as possible. Their editor seems to keep her finger on the pulse of what children enjoy reading/hearing.
from ForeWord Magazine
Writers from Horace to Archibald Macleish have pondered whether literature’s main function is to delight or to instruct readers. Assuming the
answer lies somewhere in between, this year’s crop of children’s books yields some delightful ways to instruct on a wide variety of topics....
Books that teach moral and emotional lessons certainly fall within any rubric extolling the poetic imitation of life. Six thought-provoking stories
address the nuances of human interactions on a variety of reading levels....Australian author Kathryn England’s sweet story, Grandfather’s
Wrinkles provides an uplifting addition to stories about intergenerational love. Granddad tells Lucy that each of his wrinkles represents a warm
family memory or experience. There’s the wrinkle that appeared on the day when Lucy’s mother, still a child, met a baby goat that nibbled on
her clothing, and the day when Lucy herself arrived in the world. Completely child-centered, this evocative story is colorfully rendered in pastel,
pencil, and watercolor by grandfather Richard McFarland; the author is also a grandparent.
from Ithaca Child
First-time picture book author Kathryn England and illustrator Richard McFarland are familiar with smile-wrinkles and the life experiences that
cause them. Grandfather's Wrinkles is about just that. One day Lucy climbs onto her grandfather's lap and asks, "Why doesn't your skinfit you
anymore, Granddad? It's al crinkly!" Granddad answers by explaining that "Those crinkles are called wrinkles. Whenever I smiled an especially
big smile, I got a wrinkle to show fo rit." He proceeds to recount the special moments in his life, from his wedding day, to the birth of his
daughter, funny moments in her childhood, her wdding, and finally, Lucy's own birth. The grandfather gently shares his memories, illustrated by
strikingly realistic watercolor, pastel, and colored pencil paintings. The connection between Lucy and her grandfather is touching and genuine,
causing this book to exude warmth and love.
from My Shelf.com
Flashlight Press has a small line of books. They are all gorgeous so I look forward to seeing each new book. Grandfather's Wrinkles definitely
didn't disappoint.
The story begins with a little girl scrambling into her grandfather's lap to ask why his skin is "crinkly." Her grandfather explains how wrinkles
come from all the wonderful things in his life which made him smile - then as the child asks about specific wrinkles, the grandfather shares the
wonderful things which gave him joy.
It's a strongly touching book for adults and a warm hug for young children. The grandfather's stories are full of big moments like weddings and
births, but the author slips in little things too like funny moments in his child's life - I especially liked how it illustrated that what seems a common
day can become a lifetime memory. It was fun to watch the grandfather age - the change in hairstyles alone made me smile.
The colorful drawings illustrating the book are full of charming detail, especially in the grandfather / granddaughter scenes which glow with the
love between the characters in them. Falling autumn leaves, the charming picket fence, the cocker spaniel's wistful gaze, the play of light and
breeze on the child's hair - all combine to make the book a cozy treat for read-aloud time. --Jan Fields
from Lane Book Review Program - 5 stars
Grandfather’s Wrinkles is a heartwarming read-aloud picture book about the bonds of family. When a little girl named Lucy asks her granddad
what caused the lines on his face, he tells her about the memorable and joyous events in his life that each resulted in a new wrinkle. “Whenever
I smiled an especially big smile, I got a wrinkle to show for it.” From his wedding day, to the day Lucy's mother was born, to his newest
wrinkle marking Lucy's birth, Grandfather's Wrinkles is a journey through the happy moments of life. The descriptive writing is beautifully
complimented by the pastel colored pencil and watercolor illustrations. Evocative of the nostalgic tone of I'll Love You Forever, this book is
certain to appeal to children, parents and grandparents. This well-bound hardback is a 5-star book.
from Midwest Book Review
Grandfather's Wrinkles is an enchanting children's picturebook about the bonds of family. When a little girl named Lucy asks her grandad where
the wrinkles in his face came from, he tells her about the joyous events in his life that brought about each wrinkle. "Whenever I smiled an
especially big smile, I got a wrinkle to show for it." From his wedding day, to the day Lucy's mother was born, to his daughter's wedding day,
to the last two wrinkles - the very newest - that came when Lucy was born, Grandfather's Wrinkles is a trip through the wonderful and happy
moments of life. A heartwarming read-aloud picturebook meant to be shared between grandparents and grandchildren.
from School Counselor Barbara Gruener
It's been said that "every cloud has a silver lining" and "hidden in every complaint, there's a compliment." Might it follow, then, that every wrinkle
holds a treasured memory?
Welcome the October 2007 Flashlight Press release, Grandfather's Wrinkles by Kathryn England, whose answer to this question is an
unequivocal YES!
In this heartwarming dialogue between Granddad and his granddaughter Lucy, the lost art of storytelling emerges as the vehicle whereby the
elder recounts the happy events behind his every wrinkle. This intergenerational story puts a positive spin on the aging process, sending the
message that it's important to appreciate, reflect upon, and enjoy one's journey through life. Its beautiful scrapbook-style illustrations by Richard
McFarland enhance and enrich the tale. At a time when communicating by laptop is all but replacing sitting and visiting atop a lap, this
newcomer offers a refreshingly creative way to trip down Memory Lane. I found myself yearning for more lap-time with my own grandparents.
Do yourself a favor: find a lap, connect with someone special, share this book aloud, and get ready to pass along a few wrinkles of your own.
from the Northwest Herald (August 1, 2007)
| picture books that explore and illuminate |