Grandad's Prayers of the Earth

by Douglas Wood

Book Overview

A beautiful and moving picture book about the bond between a grandparent and child--and the enduring spirit of love. "Grandad and I likes to go for walks in the woods together. We didn't walk very far. Or very fast. Or very straight. While we walked, I would ask him questions about things I wasn't sure of. One day, I asked Grandad about prayers. "'Did you know, boy, ' Grandad whispered, 'that trees pray?'" Grandad is the boy's best friend. Being with...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 076360660X
• ISBN13: 9780763606602
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.1" x 11.7"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Grandad's Prayers of the Earth is a touching tale of love.

I have recently discovered the wonderful artwork of P. J. Lynch. I was drawn to the beautiful cover of the book. I am not disappointed by the contents. The story is short but beautiful and the artwork multiplies the message. Beautifully Done!!!!!

An Absolutely Beautiful Book

This wonderful book is deeply spiritual without advocating any one religion. A Christian family could read it together and take as much from it as a Jewish or Pagan family could.A simple walk in the woods with Grandad plants the seeds of prayer in a young boys heart, seeds which help him grow when his grandad has passed and feels very alone."Each living thing gives its life to the beauty of all life, and that gift is its prayer," Grandad teaches gently.The words are a bit difficult for the very young, but the gorgeously detailed watercolor illustrations seem to facinate all. I would recommend this book to all families who experience a loss of a loved one or who wish to introduce their children to prayer. Bereaved adults might also benefit from this book; reading it brought back memories of my father and walking and talking with him.Buy this book for your children and read it to them for yourself. You won't regret it.

If you loved Old Turtle....

Like Wood's book, Old Turtle, this story is more for adults than for the children they'll read it to - the illustrations (a different illustrator) are beautiful, using soft autumn watercolor tones to illustrate grandfather as he speaks with his grandchild about nature, spirit and the connection all people have to one another.Essentially this is a book about loss, dying and eternal life. It can be a beginning point for a discussion with older children (ages 8 - 16 or so) who have experienced a loss of any beloved friend or family member.If I had grandchildren, I'd want to have the hardcover book available for them to read. The book is written to offer room for people of nearly any faith (even agnostics) to begin a discussion the meaning of life and dying.

Grandad's Prayers for the Earth

Heartfelt and warm, without going overboard on the emotions. I especially liked the way this book showed the love of the Grandfather for his grandson and vice versa. It's portrays a lasting and wonderful relationship. Perfect for my teenage boys. One of the best picture books I have read. I am sure this will become an instant classic that will stand the test of time. Douglas Wood's writing is concise with perfect timing, he carries the reader immediately into a quiet walk where you can practically smell meadow flowers and hear the trees growing. P.J. Lynch's illustrations are more than beautiful, they carry the tone perfectly and add individual touches of poignant reality to the script.

Pure Beauty and Spirit

Truly this is one of the most beautiful children's books I've read in years. The illustrations are gorgeous, capturing both the awesome splendor of nature and the love between the boy and his grandfather. The message is one of spirit, communion with nature, love, and communication. No religious path is specified and none need be. The message this book contains is universal. Ralph Waldo Emerson would have loved it.

Wonderful relationship between a boy and his granddad

What a wonderful book for any child (or adult)! I really enjoyed the warm relationship that the boy had with his granddad. The closeness that they shared was really touching. I liked the way the prayers were described--I never looked at prayer in that light before. It really got me thinking, and I felt really good after reading this book.