With each subsequent reading, it offers new layers of meaning and visual connections.' - School Library Journal Starred Review 'Opening this book is like opening a gate to a secret garden, filled with the treasures of a life well lived. Lush and magical.' - People 'An unassuming little masterpiece.the book's power lies in its rich, allusive artistry.' - New York Times Book Review 'It's a rare glimpse into Smith's softer side-as skillful as his more sly offerings, but crafted with honesty and heart.' - Publishers Weekly Starred Review 'Visually intriguing and emotionally resonant, this is a book to pore over and talk about. “Sketched with a finely lined fairy-tale wispiness and dominated by verdant green, the illustrations are not just creative but poignant.'In this affecting picture book, a boy recounts the life of his beloved great-grandfather.The author's illustrations, a blend of line drawings and sponge painting, have a classic feel, and make clever use of the topiary theme, rewarding close examination and repeated reading.' - The New Yorker 'Great-grandpa's memory may be going, but the past remains vibrantly alive in the playful topiaries that decorate his brilliantly green yard.

“Though this book has lots of adult appeal, it will also be a wonderful bridge to exploring family history with the very young.” - Kirkus Reviews In his portrait of a boy who adores and honors his forgetful great-grandfather, Smith shows us that the things that are meaningful to the ones we love become part of our garden, too.” - Shelf Awareness

“Opening this book is like opening a gate to a secret garden, filled with the treasures of a life well lived. With each subsequent reading, it offers new layers of meaning and visual connections.” - School Library Journal Starred Review “Visually intriguing and emotionally resonant, this is a book to pore over and talk about.

“It's a rare glimpse into Smith's softer side-as skillful as his more sly offerings, but crafted with honesty and heart.” - Publishers Weekly Starred Review “An unassuming little masterpiece…the book's power lies in its rich, allusive artistry.” - New York Times Book Review “Great-grandpa's memory may be going, but the past remains vibrantly alive in the playful topiaries that decorate his brilliantly green yard. “In this affecting picture book, a boy recounts the life of his beloved great-grandfather…The author's illustrations, a blend of line drawings and sponge painting, have a classic feel, and make clever use of the topiary theme, rewarding close examination and repeated reading.” - The New Yorker

Grandpa green by lane smith