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Grandaddy and Janetta #1
Georgia Music
A young girl finds a way to make her sick grandfather laugh again by bringing back the Georgia music they had shared the summer before. "Luminous watercolors."--Kirkus Reviews. "A sensitive portrayal of the vital connection between young and old."--Booklist.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published August 18, 1986
About the author
Helen V. Griffith
25 books4 followersIn Her Own Words...
"What I like about writing books is that I can sit and think about things that most adults never think about, and it's okay because I'm a children's book writer.
I can imagine what my dog is dreaming about or what she and my cat discuss when I'm not around. I can design a time machine or make up a tall tale, and nobody says, "Grow up, Helen"--because I'm a children's book writer.
I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, and I work in the family business. We're distributors of roofing and siding materials, and I've never yet gotten a story inspiration from that. Most of my ideas seem to come from dogs I have known.
My grandfather was part of our family and used to read to me a lot-the Sunday funny papers, turn-of-the-century primers, and The Arabian Nights. When I could read for myself, I read fairy tales, dog and horse stories, and comic books by the dozen.
I started writing poems and the beginnings of novels by the age of seven or eight, but I was forty before I thought about writing for publication.
For fun, I like reading (especially Anthony Trollope) and birdwatching, and I've just started learning to play old-time fiddle!"
"What I like about writing books is that I can sit and think about things that most adults never think about, and it's okay because I'm a children's book writer.
I can imagine what my dog is dreaming about or what she and my cat discuss when I'm not around. I can design a time machine or make up a tall tale, and nobody says, "Grow up, Helen"--because I'm a children's book writer.
I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, and I work in the family business. We're distributors of roofing and siding materials, and I've never yet gotten a story inspiration from that. Most of my ideas seem to come from dogs I have known.
My grandfather was part of our family and used to read to me a lot-the Sunday funny papers, turn-of-the-century primers, and The Arabian Nights. When I could read for myself, I read fairy tales, dog and horse stories, and comic books by the dozen.
I started writing poems and the beginnings of novels by the age of seven or eight, but I was forty before I thought about writing for publication.
For fun, I like reading (especially Anthony Trollope) and birdwatching, and I've just started learning to play old-time fiddle!"
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 14, 2011
A beautiful book about a young girl and her grandfather and the quiet times that they share. Perfectly written with wonderful illustrations.
April 17, 2026
A short children’s book that shows the endearing love between a young girl and her grandfather.
While visiting her grandfather in Georgia for the summer, a girl learns to love the land, garden, crickets, birds and other animals. Her grandfather teaches her about the music of the South, man-made and natural.
When the man’s health fails and it is necessary for him to move to Baltimore to live with the girl and her mother, she takes into her own hands to bring a bit of his Georgia home to the city.
Simply lovely - both the story and the artwork.
While visiting her grandfather in Georgia for the summer, a girl learns to love the land, garden, crickets, birds and other animals. Her grandfather teaches her about the music of the South, man-made and natural.
When the man’s health fails and it is necessary for him to move to Baltimore to live with the girl and her mother, she takes into her own hands to bring a bit of his Georgia home to the city.
Simply lovely - both the story and the artwork.
October 29, 2020
An oldie but a goodie. I used to live in Georgia and wanted to read it when I saw the title. Heartwarming story with great art.
February 2, 2021
A girl and her grandpa. What could make a better story?
August 9, 2023
Sweet book but I have lots more I like more. Have no problem with it but won’t miss it being in my collection.
July 24, 2026
A beautiful story about the love between a grandfather and his granddaughter.
November 11, 2014
The reason that I give this a 5 is because it has a great story line to it. There is a strength that comes from family and people who care about each other. This is a great example of love and dedication. I love that the young girl no matter her age loves her grandpa and is so willing to help him.
September 23, 2008
Sweet, simple story about a young girl and her love for her aging gandfather.
April 13, 2012
Read for Reading Rainbow Episode "Berlioz the Bear."
Bittersweet and quiet - but nothing much lasting for us.
Bittersweet and quiet - but nothing much lasting for us.
March 14, 2014
I thought that this was a really cute book. I really liked the story and I really enjoyed the illustration. It has a great message to it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews