Grandfather's Journey

by Allen Say
Grandfather's Journey cover
Good Books rating 4.68
Children's Fiction
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  • ID: 7513
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9780544332591
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2013-11-05
  • Reviews: 3

In this captivating picture book, Allen Say weaves a lyrical narrative that chronicles his family's journey between Japan and California. Through delicate art and poignant storytelling, Say explores the deep emotional ties to multiple places and the struggle of feeling at home in more than one country. The book is a tribute to his grandfather's persistent longing for home, a theme that resonates with readers on a personal and universal level. /n/n Grandfather's Journey is not just a celebration of heritage but also an exploration of the struggles inherited from our ancestors. The book's breathtaking illustrations and heartfelt narrative make it a modern classic, perfect for every household. It speaks to the deeply personal ties of family to place and the restlessness that comes with loving two countries.

Reviews
small town laowai · 2014-10-09
heartwarming 4.50

This picture book is a treasure for adults as well as children, with gentle words and beautiful illustrations that evoke a sense of journey and memory. It's a poignant exploration of cultural heritage and personal history.

The reviewer highlights that although this book is intended for children, it holds significant value for adults too. The gentle narrative and stunning watercolour illustrations create a deeply personal and evocative journey. They appreciate how the book captures the essence of cultural heritage and the struggles of identity, making it a timeless classic. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes of longing and belonging resonate universally, making it a must-read for anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of migration.

Quick quotes

    Although this is a picture book intended for children, it is a treasure for adults, too.

    With gentle words, Allen Say relates the story of his grandfather's journey.

    It's a poignant exploration of the struggles we inherit.

lightlit · 2014-08-06
nostalgic 4.75

This book is a marvelous picture book that beautifully captures the essence of living between two cultures. It's a poignant and nostalgic journey that will resonate with anyone who has felt the pull of distant shores.

The reviewer praises the book for its beautiful illustrations and its ability to capture the essence of living between two cultures. They find the story deeply moving and nostalgic, highlighting how it resonates with anyone who has experienced the longing for a distant home. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes of identity and belonging are universally relatable, making it a valuable read for both children and adults. They appreciate the gentle and evocative narrative that makes the book a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    It is a marvelous picture book and is well worth picking up if you are living in a distant shore or sometimes wish you were back home.

    It beautifully captures the essence of living between two cultures.

    The story is deeply moving and nostalgic.

mom2momconnection · Heather Ivester · 2007-02-08
beautiful 4.80

This book is one of the most beautiful children's books ever written, with gentle descriptions and stunning illustrations that evoke a sense of journey and memory. It's a poignant exploration of cultural heritage and personal history.

The reviewer describes this book as one of the most beautiful children's books ever written, praising the gentle narrative and stunning illustrations. They highlight how the book captures the essence of a journey and the struggles of identity, making it a deeply personal and evocative read. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes of heritage and belonging are universally relatable, making it a valuable addition to any household. They appreciate the timeless quality of the book, which resonates with both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    It's an understatement to say this is one of the most beautiful children's books ever written.

    Mr. Say gently describes his grandfather's journey with stunning illustrations.

    It's a poignant exploration of the struggles we inherit.

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