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May 2015


Grandpa's Gate (Liliana Stafford/Susy Boyer)


Grandpa's Gate was a random selection from the picture book shelves of my school library. It's a few years old now (2003), so not sure how easy it will be to find, but I loved the story so much I feel it deserves a review.

Young Suzy has a very special relationship with her Grandfather.  They spend many hours together constructing all manner of wondrous inventions in his shed, including a beautiful wrought iron gate which remains almost complete (it could do with a coat of paint).  As Suzy grows older, the family situation requires Suzy to move away.  She is so upset she slowly drifts away from her Grandfather, but when he has to move back into the family home, Suzy is afraid of how much he seems to have changed - will they still be as close as they used to be?

A sweet story which is an engaging tale of the bond that exists between Grandfather and Granddaughter.  Maybe I felt a resonance with the story because I remember spending many hours with my Grandfather in his shed.  Beautifully illustrated in detailed watercolours, I would thoroughly recommend this story, particularly if you have a daughter who is close with her Grandfather!


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