Can You Whistle, Johanna?
by Ulf Stark, Anna Höglund (illustrator)
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Pub Date Feb 02 2021 | Archive Date May 11 2021
Publisher Spotlight | Gecko Press
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Description
Why doesn't Berra have a grandfather? And how can he get one? Ulf suggests that there are plenty of old men at the retirement home. Berra and Ulf go there together to find one—ideally one who eats pig's trotters, invites you to tea, and can teach you to whistle.
A funny, sensitive, illustrated chapter book about a friendship across generations. Stark's writing covers every emotion, sometimes in the same sentence.
Advance Praise
"A sweet, tender, never maudlin evocation of an intergenerational friendship." STARRED Kirkus Review
"A sweet, tender, never maudlin evocation of an intergenerational friendship." STARRED Kirkus Review
Featured Reviews
Vicky Z, Educator
This was a cute story about a boy who “adopts” a man to be his grandfather after hearing about the things his friend does with his grandfather. Was a bit strange how the boy comes to choose the man to be his grandfather. Cute moral. I enjoyed it overall.
Ashley D, Bookseller
This was a funny, emotional, and all around wonderful story about a young boy who befriends a senior citizen. The story is easy to read with a very nice and emotional storyline. Theres also artwork throughout the story that adds a nice touch to the story. A great read that I would recommend for everyone.
*Thanks Netgalley and Publisher SpotlightGecko Press for sending me an arc*
Andrea P, Reviewer
Can You Whistle, Johanna? by Ulf Stark is a beautifully moving story of a young boy and an old man who somehow form a friendship and, ultimately, find in each other a family.
Berra longs to have the relationship that his friend Ulf enjoys with his own grandfather. Ulf suggests that they seek out a grandfather substitute for Berra at the local retirement home where they meet Ned, who quickly accepts Berra as his grandson. What follows is a heartwarming and emotional tale of human connection, and its importance at any age.
This is a wonderful story that is beautifully illustrated thanks to the talents of Anna Hoglund, and I would not hesitate to share its timeless message with readers of all ages.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publishers Spotlight for an ARC of this delightful title.
Padmaja R, Reviewer
‘Can you whistle Johanna?’ by Ulf Stark is a story about the bonding bloomed between a young boy and an old man living in a home. It gets quite emotional at certain parts and a good book on understanding the love and passion between kids and grandfather.
Berra, after hearing stories about Ulf’s grandfather, longs one for himself. Upon, Ulf’s suggestion, he visits a local retirement home along with Ulf. They meet Ned and both Ned and Ulf connect to each other.
Berra and Ulf start visiting Ned and enjoy spending time with the old man.
Grandpa is so pleased with their visits, he almost thinks it was a dream.
Scenes like grandpa’s amazement at hearing the birds, smelling the smells, and recollecting how it would be like this, making a kite using his late wife’s silk scarf and his tie, teaching Berra how to whistle are simply beautiful.
Berra’s planning Grandpa’s birthday indulging him in his favorite childhood pastime is quite nostalgic and Berra getting a silk tie as birthday gift is touching and encouraging trail for the young readers.
I have enjoyed reading the book and thanks to Netgalley and Publisher Gecko Press for the ARC.
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