Georgia Music

Grandaddy and Janetta #1

by Helen V. Griffith

A little girl and her grandfather share two different kinds of music, that of his mouth organ and that of the birds and insects around his cabin.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, 2nd Grade, Summer

Hardcover

First published August 18, 1986

About the author

In 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!"

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about a young girl and her grandfather and the quiet times that they share. Perfectly written with wonderful illustrations.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A girl and her grandpa. What could make a better story?

[Chappyfamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book but I have lots more I like more. Have no problem with it but won’t miss it being in my collection.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about the love between a grandfather and his granddaughter.

[Breanne Driesel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, simple story about a young girl and her love for her aging gandfather.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for Reading Rainbow Episode "Berlioz the Bear."
Bittersweet and quiet - but nothing much lasting for us.

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.