Around the Table That Grandad Built
Written by Melanie Heuiser Hill
Illustrated by Jaime Kim
When the family gets together, they gather around the table that grandad built. All the items that go on the table have connections to family members. Cousins picked the flowers. Mom sewed the napkins. The glassware is from Mom & Dad’s wedding. The tableware is from a great grandmother. Squash from the garden. Gran-baked bread. Huckleberry jam made by Dad. Homemade pies. Love from all. And so on.
The first part of the story is written as a cumulative like the House that Jack Built. The ending, though, is written in poetic form. Very appealing and very fun and easy to follow. The striking acrylic illustrations draw readers in and let them know how fun a family can be.
This is a very diverse family – evidenced in part by the samosas and tamales served. But the author and illustrator show how everyone loves each other. A very tight family worth embracing.
Title: Around the Table That Grandad Built- Author: Melanie Heuiser Hill
- Illustrator: Jaime Kim
- Published: Candlewick Press, 2019
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
- Grade Level: PreK to 2
- Genre: Family
- ISBN: 978-0-7636-9784-6