K-Gr 3—A clever premise, brilliant pacing, and whimsical illustrations offer a distinctive look at the life and artistic vision of one great-grandfather. A boy recounts the essential facts of the man's life: "He was born a really long time ago." "After high school his wish was to study horticulture." The imaginative art fills in what the words leave out by ingeniously chronicling Grandpa's story through the fanciful topiaries he creates. The sinewy tree limbs in black line have a sculptural quality, while airy line art drawn in a subtle palette depicting the boy, his great-grandfather, and the general landscape of the garden allow the fantastic creations to stand out. From the formal design of boxwood mazes to fantasy-inspired hedges, Smith uses a broad range of green hues and textures to create ornamental foliage that is inventive and charming. There is harmony in the overall design yet each page surprises and delights. Discerning viewers will identify a playful homage to The Wizard of Oz. Other more quirky creations may be open to interpretation. As he narrates his great-grandfather's story, the boy strolls through the garden picking up the pieces of Grandpa's trade, a garden glove here, a watering can there—Grandpa is getting forgetful. With a powerfully charged and perfectly placed line—"But the important stuff, the garden remembers for him"—readers are treated to a dramatic double gatefold revealing the panorama of Grandpa's life depicted in the living sculptures. Visually intriguing and emotionally resonant, this is a book to pore over and talk about. With each subsequent reading, it offers new layers of meaning and visual connections.—Caroline Ward, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

K-Gr 3—A child relates the story of his great-grandfather's life as it had been told to him in Smith's poignant story (Roaring Brook, 2011) about childhood on a farm, dreams and imagination, and a life filled with loving memories. Growing older sometimes means forgetting, but this tale celebrates the ability to keep memories alive in different ways. Noah Galvin narrates this simple, but poetic account of a man's life and the topiary garden that shares his story. The narration is simple, with little expression. Page-turn signals are optional. Make sure to have the book available since Smith's illustrations are what makes this Caldecott Honor book so successful.—Kelly Roth, Prospect Park School, PA