Around the Table That Grandad Built
Melanie Heuiser Hill, Author
Jaime Kim, Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Fiction, Sep. 10, 2019
Suitable for Ages: 3-7
Themes: Holidays, Traditions, Multigenerational, Thanksgiving, Diversity
Opening: This is the table that Grandad built. These are the sunflowers picked by my cousins, set on the table that Grandad built.
Book Synopsis:
In a delightful take on the cumulative classic “This Is the House That Jack Built,” a family gathers with friends and neigbors to share a meal around a very special table. The table brims with memorable associations: napkins sewn by Mom, glasses from Mom and Dad’s wedding, silverware gifted to Dad by his grandmother long ago. And of course there is a delightful spread of food — the squash and potatoes from the garden, bread baked by Gran, and pies made by family and friends. All give thanks.
Why I like this book:
Melanie Heuiser Hill’s Around the Table That Grandad Built is a joyous celebration of family, friends and community. It is sure to become a favorite family treasure, perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast.
It also is a multigenerational book that quietly emphasizes diversity through food, faces and culture. Grandad’s table is a gesture of openness and inclusivity. Coming to feast at the table is a time to build upon memories, show gratitude, recognize similarities and give thanks. The children are the new generation honoring the old but making new memories.
The cover showcases Jaime Kim’s bold and colorful Illustrations, as well as the joy and anticipation on the childrens’ faces. Who wouldn’t want to dine at this table!
Resources: As the holidays approach, include them in the special activities like setting the table, making the table decorations, helping with the food preparation and baking. Talk about inviting a veteran or someone who is alone to join you. Create some new traditions.
Melanie Heuiser Hill is the author of the middle-grade novel Giant Pumpkin Suite. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and children. About Around the Table That Grandad Built, she says, “I have a fondness for long tables crowded with food food and loved ones — and homemade pie for dessert.” Visit Melanie’s website where she shares stories of her large family and photographs.
This sounds like a great adaptation on one of my old favorites from my own childhood and from my days teaching Kindergarten and first grade. The cover art is also delightful. Thank you for sharing this book with us. Wishing you and your famly a blessed and happy Thanksgiving, Patricia.
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It is a wonderful adaptation (I remember it well) and I know this is story is one you’d enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving to you, June.
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This sounds like a warm and inviting multi-generational story and I appreciate that it will inspire gratitude and inclusion.
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I am always drawn to multigenerational stories because they are inspiring for children. The illustrations make this book a stand out!
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This is a fun book Patricia and I can see it being a family tradition at holiday times.
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Yes, I think it becoming a family tradition for a number of holidays. I’m delighted you enjoyed it as much as I did!
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Oh, boy, I’d love to join this celebration! Great choice for this time of year.
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Yes, the cover and illustrations draw you write into the celebration! It’s a beautiful book!
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What a lovely concept for a picture book–bringing family together to remember loved ones! This is like a tradition my family follows. We sit around great grandmother’s table, use my grandmother’s silverware, and eat food prepared with recipes passed down through the family. Thank you for sharing this book, Patricia.
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Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts about your family traditions. This book is a treasure!
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I have this book on hold and can’t wait to read it. Food, tables, familial legacies and traditions. Such common cultural elements that bring families together. Thanks for featuring, Patricia!
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You will enjoy everything about the book, it is so appealing to readers. So many traditions!
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What a great book to share and reminds me of the many times I’d sit at Grandpa’s table (one he had built). Some of his best advice came as I sat next to him. Perfect book for young ones during this time of Thanksgiving.
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I was excited about sharing this book! Thanks for sharing your story. We also have a table that Ward’s father built. So many memories.
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This sounds like a wonderful innovation on a favourite story, Patricia. There’s nothing like sharing memories with special family memorabilia.
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I agree! There is so much to love about this story, including the fabulous illustrations!
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Wonderful!
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This book sounds so cute. I guess I’m too much of a Gen Zer, but I totally forgot people used to use things they built! :^D This book’s theme sounds so adorable, and I love the diversity. Maybe I’ll give it to one of my little cousins! Thanks!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. The illustrations are amazing — and if it moved you it would certainly be loved by a little cousin!
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