What do you think?
Rate this book
Super Grandpa
Gustaf Håkansson was sixty-six years old. In 1951, he was barred from joining the Tour of Sweden due to his age. He participated unofficially, riding his bicycle over 1,000 miles and, to the delight of his countrymen, finished first. Award-winning children's author David M. Schwartz calls him "Super Grandpa" and brings his historic bike ride to life.
(Contains the author's narration on audio CD and FREE audio download)
Schwartz's zesty narration, enhanced by sound effects and Swedish fiddle music, will captivate listeners ages 4 and up. Older audiences too will cherish this story of a figure who shattered stereotypes about the elderly, and inspired generations to pursue their dreams.
(Contains the author's narration on audio CD and FREE audio download)
Schwartz's zesty narration, enhanced by sound effects and Swedish fiddle music, will captivate listeners ages 4 and up. Older audiences too will cherish this story of a figure who shattered stereotypes about the elderly, and inspired generations to pursue their dreams.
Hardcover
First published August 1, 1998
About the author
David M. Schwartz
90 books29 followers As a child, I was filled with a sense of awe as I contemplated the universe. The huge numbers of stars and their sizes and distances never failed to amaze me. With binoculars and magnifying glass, I also focused on closer subjects like birds, flowers, frogs and bugs.
But science and math weren't my only fascinations: I also loved bicycles, baseball, boats…and ice cream. Years later, on a clear spring night, I looked up at the sky and a shower of memories descended. I suddenly remembered my childhood awe at the wonders of space.
That night I was inspired to write my first book, How Much Is a Million? Now, almost 50 books later, I spend much of my time finding unusual, whimsical ways to make math and science come alive for kids and teachers, both through my writing, and through speaking at schools and conferences. I also write science articles for magazines, especially Smithsonian, and to do the research I've made exciting trips to some of the more remote corners of several continents. I've been to Africa to study hippos, to South America to visit an indigenous tribe living in the rain forest, and to far northern Scotland to track illegal egg collectors. But I still love the land outside my door in northern California, and the same distant stars that inspired me years ago.
from http://www.davidschwartz.com/about_da...
But science and math weren't my only fascinations: I also loved bicycles, baseball, boats…and ice cream. Years later, on a clear spring night, I looked up at the sky and a shower of memories descended. I suddenly remembered my childhood awe at the wonders of space.
That night I was inspired to write my first book, How Much Is a Million? Now, almost 50 books later, I spend much of my time finding unusual, whimsical ways to make math and science come alive for kids and teachers, both through my writing, and through speaking at schools and conferences. I also write science articles for magazines, especially Smithsonian, and to do the research I've made exciting trips to some of the more remote corners of several continents. I've been to Africa to study hippos, to South America to visit an indigenous tribe living in the rain forest, and to far northern Scotland to track illegal egg collectors. But I still love the land outside my door in northern California, and the same distant stars that inspired me years ago.
from http://www.davidschwartz.com/about_da...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 4, 2025
Very good book, teaches you can do anything if you put your mind to it! Also silly and you can have a good conversation with students about some words you can use to describe this “super-grandpa” also introduces Sweden.
August 14, 2018
Such an inspirational story!
An old man competes in a bike race despite being rejected official entry due to his age.
An old man competes in a bike race despite being rejected official entry due to his age.
July 27, 2020
Alissa was indignant that Gustaf didn't get the trophy for winning.
March 23, 2026
This is such a cute picture book about determination and not giving up, I would definitely recommend it!
April 27, 2021
Fun story. Makes me want to be like Stålfarfar- in all the good ways.
February 14, 2012
Based on the true story of Gustaf Hakensson, who in 1951 completed the over 1000-mile "Tour of Sweden" as an unofficial competitor, Supergrandpa has a "defying the odds" drama and excitement that readers (and listeners) should enjoy.
The book's watercolor (I think) illustrations have something of a faded, impressionistic quality that give it an old-fashioned, slightly rustic feel that seems to fit the title character.
To me, this is a great book for grandparents lucky enough to be physically active to share after a Saturday of outdoor play.
The book's watercolor (I think) illustrations have something of a faded, impressionistic quality that give it an old-fashioned, slightly rustic feel that seems to fit the title character.
To me, this is a great book for grandparents lucky enough to be physically active to share after a Saturday of outdoor play.
March 12, 2013
Based on the true story of bicycle racer, 66 year-old Gustav Hakansson, Supergrandpa, is another story about the extraordinary things ordinary people can do once they set their mind to something.
Gustav pedaled 1000 miles in a race in which he was not allowed to enter because of his age. Although it took him a few extra days and he pedaled during the night instead of when the other competitors were racing, he finished first and became a local hero.
Gustav pedaled 1000 miles in a race in which he was not allowed to enter because of his age. Although it took him a few extra days and he pedaled during the night instead of when the other competitors were racing, he finished first and became a local hero.
October 22, 2013
Although it may not seem like it, this book is perfect for basing a mathematics lesson off of it. (Based of of Supergrandpa's speed)
Supergrandpa is based on the true story of 66 year old bicycle racer, Gustav Hakansson. He went 1000 miles in a race in which he was not allowed to enter because of his age. He is recognized as a hero after finishing first in the race.
How did he do it? You will have to read to find out! ;)
Supergrandpa is based on the true story of 66 year old bicycle racer, Gustav Hakansson. He went 1000 miles in a race in which he was not allowed to enter because of his age. He is recognized as a hero after finishing first in the race.
How did he do it? You will have to read to find out! ;)
Read
March 31, 2009A great book for children of all ages. The tortoise and the hare story retold from the view of a bicycle seat. Except this is based on a true story.
March 2, 2011
This fictionalized account of Gustaf Hakansson's famous bike ride in Sweden inspires readers. Schwartz took liberty with the true life story and turned it into a tortoise and the hare tale.
April 30, 2017
Bjorn read this to me and it is quite an inspiring and moving little story of an "old" man who decides to race his bicycle with the pros and wins the heart of Sweden in the process.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews